Deer Nibble On Anything - Except A Hot Wire Fence

Q: What can I plant that deer won't eat?

A: It's possible that deer won't eat Astroturf or other artificial plastic surfaces, but almost no other plant-related guarantees can be made.

I reviewed a number of recent articles on deer control, with titles like "Oh, deer!" and "Not so deer!" The conclusion reached by frustrated gardeners across the country is that deer differ in their food tastes depending on location, and on the deer population.

Lists of plants that deer seem to avoid (or eat with less frequency) are often printed. It's possible to experiment with planting these, but necessary to keep some basic realities in mind.

Deer may avoid some plants one year and eat them the next. Their predation on the foliage depends on the size of the deer population as well as other conditions, including weather and availability of a variety of food sources. If the herd is large and food is scarce, they will try nearly anything. Spines or thorns on the plants are no deterrent. Deer will munch roses and prickly junipers.

Secure fencing is the most certain deterrent. However, given the leaping ability of deer, fencing is costly. The fence needs to be at least 8 feet tall, preferably with a row of electrified wire on an angled fence section facing out. Some gardeners settle for fencing a small area such as a flower border or vegetable garden and taking chances with the rest of the landscape.

Many companies produce various types of deer deterrents ranging from blood meal (and other carnivorous animal body secretions) to chemical repellents. The common tactic of hanging bars of deodorant soap in the landscape works for some people, some of the time, in some places.

Deer do become habituated to feeding along the same paths and in the same locations regularly; if you can keep them from establishing a pattern of visiting the landscape, this will help.

Orchardists with major deer problems and young fruit trees to protect sometimes use dogs, confining the dog to a specific run area through the orchard. Certainly an interested dog with persistent habits can harass deer away from an area.

A few of the plants that are listed in the current Sunset Western Garden books as less desirable to deer include wax myrtle (Myrica californica), butterfly bush (Buddleia species), and daffodils (various Narcissus species.)

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Mill Creek, does have a flier suggesting a few possibilities for local planting. Some of these are oleander, rock rose, rosemary, juniper, bamboo, holly, ferns, rhododendron (but not azaleas), zinnias, and marigolds. None of these are absolutely deer-proof.

Check with your local nurseries for their deer-proofing recommendations.

Gardening with deer requires experimentation and flexibility.

Q: My houseplants are dropping leaves and looking yellow; will fertilizer perk them up?

A: Fertilizer isn't as likely a "fix" as stronger light would be. In January and February, houseplants are struggling with dark exposures in homes and need a vacation in a sunny spot, just as their owners do.

Most houseplants enter a winter rest period brought on by darker days. Experienced growers reduce water and fertilizer during the winter season, when plants are not growing actively. If extra fertilizer is added during this period, it will not be taken up by the plant, the nutrients will be wasted, and the plant may even experience damage.

Plants that need fertilizer every three weeks during the active growing season may take no fertilizer at all during December and January.

Water only enough to keep plants from drying out, recognizing that plants differ in their overall requirements. Succulents such as jade plants will require very little winter water; ferns will require more.

Toward the end of February and into March all houseplants will again need fertilizer and more frequent watering.

Check to be certain the plant isn't standing in water, or isn't wrapped too tightly in plastic or foil, which could encourage root rot.

The best winter kindness toward houseplants is observant neglect!

Gardening runs Friday in Scene and Sunday in Home/Real Estate. It is prepared by Mary Robson, area horticulture agent; Holly Kennell, Washington State University/King County Cooperative Extension agent, Susan Miller, integrated-pest-management specialist, and volunteer Master Gardeners.