Understanding the Diet of Deer
Deer are known to be one of the most common pests gardeners face. They can cause severe damage to vegetables and plants, leaving gardeners with nothing to harvest. However, there are specific vegetables that deer do not eat. To identify these vegetables, it’s essential to understand the diet of deer.
Deer are opportunistic feeders, which means they will eat anything available to them. However, they tend to avoid certain foods. Deer are herbivores, meaning they only eat plants. They mainly feed on leaves, buds, flowers, and stems of plants, and they prefer plants that are high in protein and low in fiber.
Deer have a keen sense of smell and can detect plants from a distance. They also have a preference for sweet and salty flavors. Therefore, they tend to avoid plants that are bitter or have a pungent odor.
Misconceptions about Deer’s Diet
There are many misconceptions about deer’s diet, which can lead to confusion among gardeners. One of the most common misconceptions is that deer only eat grass. While deer do eat grass, it is not their primary food source. Deer are browsers, not grazers, which means they feed on bushes, shrubs, and trees in addition to grass.
Another misconception is that deer only eat in the morning and evening. While deer are most active during these times, they can feed any time of the day or night.
Vegetables That Deer Do Not Eat
There are several vegetables that deer usually avoid. These vegetables have strong smells, tastes, or textures that deer find unappealing. Here are some vegetables that you can grow in your garden without worrying about deer:
1. Onions
Onions are one of the most pungent vegetables and are highly repellent to deer. They contain compounds that give them a strong odor, which deer find unappetizing.
2. Garlic
Garlic is another plant that deer avoid due to its strong smell. The pungent odor is due to the presence of sulfur compounds in garlic, which is highly repellent to deer.
3. Peppers
Peppers are spicy and have a strong taste due to the presence of capsaicin. Capsaicin is a chemical compound that gives peppers their heat and is highly repellent to deer. Therefore, planting peppers in your garden can help keep deer away.
4. Cucumbers
Cucumbers have a bitter taste, which deer do not like. They also have prickly stems, which can be uncomfortable for deer to eat. Therefore, cucumbers are not a preferred food source for deer.
5. Squash
Squash plants have a hairy texture, which makes them unattractive to deer. They also have a bitter taste, which deer do not like. Therefore, planting squash in your garden can help deter deer.
Other Tips to Keep Deer Away
While there are specific vegetables that deer do not eat, it is essential to take other measures to keep deer away from your garden. Here are some tips to keep deer away:
1. Fencing
Fencing is one of the most effective ways to keep deer away from your garden. A fence should be at least eight feet, high enough to prevent deer from jumping over it.
2. Repellents
Repellents are another way to keep deer away from your garden. There are many deer repellents available in the market, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. These repellents work by emitting odors or sounds that are unappealing to deer.
3. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves planting plants that repel pests near those that are vulnerable to pests. For example, planting marigolds near your vegetable garden can help repel deer.
4. Scare Tactics
Scare tactics can also help keep deer away. These include hanging shiny objects, such as CDs, or using motion-activated sprinklers to startle deer.
Conclusion
Deer can cause significant damage to your vegetable garden, but there are specific vegetables that they tend to avoid. These vegetables include onions, garlic, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. However, it is essential to take other measures to keep deer away, such as fencing, repellents, companion planting, and scare tactics. By implementing these measures, you can protect your garden and enjoy a bountiful harvest.