How to Keep Deer Away from Roses: Effective Methods and Organic Solutions

Deer are notorious for their appetite for a variety of plants, including beloved roses. As a rose gardener, it is important to employ effective strategies to protect your plants from these hungry visitors. This article explores various methods and an organic solution to keep deer away from your rose garden.

Using Soap Bars as a Natural Deer Repellent

One effective and easy-to-implement method is using Irish Springs soap to deter unsuspecting deer. Simply take a couple bars of Irish Springs soap and carefully cut long strips around your plants. The deer do not care for the smell and will stay away. This natural and simple solution is particularly useful for smaller gardens or those who prefer non-invasive methods.

Constructing a Deer-Proof Fence

For those in areas with high deer traffic, a deer-proof fence offers a more permanent solution. Judging by the preferences of deer, roses are often their preferred browse. A 6-foot fence may suffice, but an 8-foot fence is nearly certain to deter them. The height should be sufficient to keep deer from easily jumping over the barrier and reaching your plants.

Using Human Hair to Deter Deer

Another natural method is to use human hair. Collect hair from your hair salon and have them save you a large bag of it. Spread the hair around your plants, as the scent mimics that of humans and deer do not like it. Additionally, there are commercial products designed specifically for deer repellent that you can sprinkle and spray around your rose bushes to keep deer at bay.

A Successful Organic Solution from Oregon

In an innovative approach, Jon Dunagan from north central Oregon developed a unique and organic solution to protect his rose bushes from deer. His strategy includes a weekly spray schedule with a specially formulated mixture that is both effective and environmentally friendly. This method not only deters deer but also allows the natural winter pruning of his rose garden, ensuring healthy growth for the following year.

Jon’s Organic Deer Repellent Recipe

The recipe for Jon's organic deer repellent is as follows:

Blend the following ingredients in a blender: 1 cup water 3 eggs 1/3 cup hot sauce (such as Tabasco) 1/3 cup liquid dishwashing soap

Pour the mixture into a gallon tank sprayer and fill with water. Spray thoroughly every week. For an additional deterrent, you may add a cube of beef bullion, as deer do not like the scent of meat, but this step is usually unnecessary.

According to Jon, this mixture does not harm roses and has never caused harm to any other plant that he has sprayed it on. However, it is important to wear gloves and goggles when applying this mixture.

This organic solution has proven to be an effective method for protecting roses from deer without resorting to harmful chemicals. By following Jon's tips and recipes, you too can enjoy a beautiful rose garden without the constant worry of deer damage.

Protecting your rose garden from deer does not need to be a daunting task. By using simple and effective methods, you can ensure that your beloved plants thrive and remain unharmed by these deer intruders.