Deer are majestic creatures. Often seen in forests or grazing in open meadows, they are an integral part of the ecosystem. Some people believe that deer will eat anything in their path, but this is not true. Deer are actually very selective eaters and have a specific diet they stick to.
In this article, we will explore what deer eat and if they are attracted to catnip plants. We will also provide some tips on how to keep deer away from your garden.
Do Deer Eat Catnip Plants?
No, deer do not eat catnip plants. Catnip is a member of the mint family and is known for its intoxicating effects on cats. Deer are not attracted to this plant and will avoid it if possible. If you have a catnip plant in your garden, there is no need to worry about deer eating it.
This is great news for gardeners who want to grow catnip for their feline friends. Interestingly, deer hate most varieties of mint. So, if you’re looking for a plant to deter deer, mint may be a good option.
While they won’t eat catnip, deer may trample over the plant if there are other tasty options nearby. They are clumsy creatures and have been known to accidentally knock over small plants while grazing.
How to Protect Catnip Plants from Deer?
Catnip plants make gardens look beautiful and smell great, but they should be protected from deer if you live in an area with a high deer population.
1. Remove Any Food Sources
To prevent deer from coming into your garden, you should remove any food sources that may attract them. This includes fallen fruit, nuts, and seeds. You should also keep your garbage cans tightly sealed to prevent deer from rummaging through them.
The goal is to make your garden as unappealing to deer as possible. If there is nothing for them to eat, they will be less likely to visit. They will just go to your neighbor instead – result!
2. Fencing
To really put a stop to deer coming into your garden, you should consider installing a fence. A fence will not only keep deer out, but it will also protect your plants from other animals like rabbits and squirrels.
If you live in an area with a lot of deer, a high fence is necessary. The fence should be at least eight feet tall to deter even the most persistent deer. While deer are unlikely to jump over your fence, they can easily do a small leap and squeeze through gaps.
Make sure your fence is in good condition and repair any holes or gaps as soon as possible. You should also consider installing a deer-proof gate to make it even harder for them to get into your garden.
Installing a fence can be expensive and time-consuming, but it is worth it if you want to protect your plants. However, if a fence isn’t possible perhaps netting or cages are an option for you.
3. Deer Repellents
Deer repellents are a great way to keep deer away from your catnip plants. There are many different types of repellents on the market, so you should be able to find one that suits your needs.
Repellents work by either making the area around your plants unappealing to deer or by deterring them with a strong smell. I like this Bobbex repellent because it works the best from my experience.
Whatever repellent you choose, make sure to apply it regularly – especially after it rains. Repellents will only work if they are fresh, so don’t forget to top them up every few weeks.
4. Hanging Baskets
Hanging baskets are a great way to protect your plants from deer. Deer are less likely to eat plants that are out of their reach, so hanging baskets is an effective way to keep them away from your catnip. You can buy hanging baskets at most garden centers or you can make your own. Just make sure the basket is big enough for your plant to fit in and has drainage holes.
Hanging baskets are also a great way to display your plants. They look beautiful and add a touch of elegance to any garden. This is a great option if you want to protect your plants but don’t want to install a fence.
5. Sprinklers and Other Loud Devices
Deer are timid creatures and they don’t like loud noises. You can deter them from your garden by installing a sprinkler system or placing objects that make noise around your plants.
When the deer hears the noise, they will be scared off and won’t come back. This is a great way to protect your plants without having to use any chemicals.
Installing a sprinkler system can be expensive, but there are many different types of loud devices that you can use. You could try hanging wind chimes or placing tin cans filled with rocks around your plants. Just make sure the noise is loud enough to scare the deer away.
Can Catnip Plants Be Used as Deer-Resistant Fencing?
Yes, catnip plants can be used as deer-resistant fencing. They are an effective way to keep deer out of your garden and they also look beautiful. Any deer that tries to eat your plants will be deterred by the strong smell of the catnip.
Just make sure to plant plenty of catnip plants around your garden and to keep them well-watered. You should also consider using other deer-resistant methods like fencing or repellents to make sure your plants are safe from deer.
Conclusion
To sum up, catnip plants are not on the menu for deer. The strong smell of the plant will deter them from eating it. You can use catnip plants as part of your deer-resistant strategy, but make sure to use other methods as well.
You don’t want the deep trampling all over your flowers and maybe even your vegetables. Fencing in your garden is the best way to keep deer out, but there are other options like repellents and hanging baskets. Whatever strategy you choose, make sure to be consistent and persistent. Deer are clever creatures, but they can be deterred if you’re determined.
Tim is an avid gardener from the UK. He was the founder of PlantCarer.com from 2021 to Sep 2023. He sold PlantCarer.com to Aaron. He has since started his own business called Seed To Supper, which provides new gardeners all the materials you need in a box (pots, seeds, compost and instructions) to grow your own delicious and nutritious vegetables and herbs from start to finish – no garden required.
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