I must break it to you right away: unfortunately, hydrangeas aren’t as deer-resistant as you might hope! But don’t lose hope – protecting your hydrangeas is still possible!
Deer might love hydrangeas as much as you do, but with a few simple and natural tricks, you can keep your garden safe and your blooms thriving.
I’ve tried these myself, and they really work – no harsh chemicals, no complicated steps – just some good old-fashioned strategies that will give you the upper hand!
So, if you’re ready to save your hydrangeas and finally outsmart those pesky deer, here are eight proven tips that will keep your garden looking stunning. You’ve got this!
#1 Deer-Resistant Plants That Protect Your Hydrangeas
What if I told you that deer don’t actually have to be your garden’s worst enemy? The secret lies in surrounding your hydrangeas with the right kind of plants.
Deer are incredibly picky eaters, and with a little strategic planting, you can make your garden far less appetizing to them. Start by planting marigolds, foxglove, and lavender – flowers that create a barrier deer will avoid at all costs.
So, before you panic the next time a deer is sniffing around, consider planting a few of these deer-repellent beauties. They’ll not only protect your hydrangeas but also make your garden more vibrant than ever.
#2 Say Goodbye To Deer With A Garlic Scent
If you’ve ever struggled with deer snacking on your hydrangeas, garlic could be your new best friend! Deer are incredibly sensitive to strong smells, and garlic’s sharp scent is a huge turnoff for them.
Making garlic spray couldn’t be easier. Simply crush a few garlic cloves and mix them with water to create a potent repellent. Next, add a bit of dish soap to help the spray stick to the plants, then apply it to your hydrangeas and the surrounding areas.
#3 Deer Won’t Come Near When A Dog Is Around
There’s something about a dog’s presence that makes deer think twice about entering your garden. Like many wild animals, deer associate the scent and sounds of a dog with danger, and they’re quick to retreat at the first sign of one.
If you have a dog, let them patrol the garden regularly. Even if your dog isn’t particularly active or doesn’t roam far, their scent alone can send a clear message to the deer: stay away!
#4 Crushed Eggshells Create A Barrier Deer Won’t Cross
Crushed eggshells might just be the garden hack you never knew you needed! These unassuming kitchen scraps can work wonders when it comes to protecting your hydrangeas.
The sharp edges of the crushed shells deter deer by making it uncomfortable for them to roam your garden. All you need to do is collect your eggshells, crush them, and scatter them around the base of your hydrangeas!
#5 Hang Strong-Scented Soap Around Your Garden
Have you ever thought about using soap to keep deer away? It might sound strange, but strong-scented soaps are surprisingly effective repellents.
Deer are sensitive to certain scents, and when they smell sharp, overpowering soaps like Irish Spring, they instinctively avoid the area.
All it takes is a few bars of soap placed around your garden. Hang them in trees or wrap them around stakes to ensure the scent stays in the air. This easy, chemical-free solution not only protects your hydrangeas but also makes your garden smell a bit fresher!
#6 Sprinkle Some Blood Meal Fertilizer
Ever wish you could have a simple, organic solution to keep deer away without resorting to harsh chemicals? Blood meal fertilizer is exactly that – and it’s incredibly effective! The intense scent of blood meal doesn’t just discourage deer – it downright repels them.
Simply sprinkle a light layer of blood meal around your hydrangeas and other favorite plants. The scent will be strong enough to keep deer from nibbling.
Plus, with its high nitrogen content, blood meal not only deters deer but also gives your plants a growth boost while keeping them safe.
#7 Motion Sprinklers: The Best Device For Driving Deer Away
Deer can be sneaky, but they’re no match for the surprising power of motion sprinklers! These smart gadgets detect movement and unleash a quick spray of water right where it’s needed. Deer hate the unpredictability of it and quickly learn to avoid the area altogether.
Installing motion sprinklers around your hydrangeas and garden is a straightforward process. Simply place them in strategic spots where deer are likely to wander, and let the device do the work!
#8 Grab Your Tools And Build A Prickly Fence
Creating a deer-free zone doesn’t always require fancy gadgets – sometimes, all it takes is a good old prickly fence! Deer avoid places with thorny or spiny plants because they’re simply too uncomfortable to pass through.
It’s easy to get started: gather thorny plants like rosebushes, barberries, or even juniper, and plant them around your garden. The dense, spiny foliage will make it nearly impossible for deer to navigate, keeping your plants safe from their nibbling.
In the end, you’ll have an attractive, eco-friendly solution to deer problems – one that’s as beautiful as it is effective.
With these deer-deterrent tactics, your hydrangeas can finally shine – no more nightly nibbling!