deer repellent vegetables that deer hate

Top Plants, Fruits and Vegetables That Deer Hate!

by Jennifer Smith May 23, 2016

For the most part, deer and humans share the same taste and smell pallets; and that is why they flock to our backyards. But, just like humans, deer have certain meals that they prefer not to touch. Read the below list of plants, fruits and vegetables that will turn away deer from your garden and will leave you with more!

1) Alliums

Deer love eating roses; but they can’t stand the taste and scent of garlic. So, because roses are highly damaged flowers from deer, plant garlic near the flower. Not only will the scent help the longevity of the roses; but it will make deer turn up their noses. Onions are another repellent that deer cannot stand.

2) Aromatic Herbs

Mmm, the lovely aroma of sage, dill, fennel, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme and mint is heavenly to humans; but for a deer- yuck! Deer find the scents of these herbs too be too strong.

3) Occasional and Rare Vegetables

Although potatoes are generally classified as ‘occasionally disturbed by deer,’ they can act as a deer repellent in your garden, as most deer will not go near them. However, tomatoes and peppers are two vegetables that deer will always think twice going near in your garden.

Other Vegetables

Artichokes: Artichokes are prickly on the outside; so deer remain fearful of being poked on the nose. Artichokes are rarely damaged; and they can be planted in the Winter (crown) or Spring (from seed) and remain unharmed.
Olives:Unless there isn’t anything else to eat, deer will stay away from olives. They are classified as ‘occasionally damaged vegetables’ for this reason.
Yucca: The smell is what gets to deer more than the taste.

Fruits
Figs: Perhaps it’s because of the waxy sap, but deer don’t like the sticky goodness of the fig. Plant these, and your garden will remain deer-free.
Rhubarb: Despite its leafy leaves, and vibrant green color, deer typically don’t enjoy rhubarb. Plant this; and you will never see a deer.
Agave: Add beauty and flare to your garden with agave. Deer hate it; but your garden visitors will adore it.

4) Fruits

Figs: Perhaps it’s because of the waxy sap, but deer don’t like the sticky goodness of the fig. Plant these, and your garden will remain deer-free.
Rhubarb: Despite its leafy leaves, and vibrant green color, deer typically don’t enjoy rhubarb. Plant this; and you will never see a deer.
Agave: Add beauty and flare to your garden with agave. Deer hate it; but your garden visitors will adore it.