Articles

What Herbs Repel Deer?

“I read that Thyme can repel deer from your veggie garden. Is it true?” Question from Sylvia of Belle Plaine, Minnesota

Answer: Thyme is a mint, and on the whole, deer dislike the strong smell of many plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae), so mints, like thyme, can repel deer. But, I cannot say whether repellent mints would keep deer away from vegetables that they really love, like sweet potato vine. I recommend experimenting with a few to see if they help.

Here is a list of seven great minty perennial garden plants–both herbal flowers and culinary herbs– known to repel deer.

  1. Hyssop (Agastache spp.): These sun-lovers have pretty flowers that bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds will visit. The pretty ‘Blue Fortune‘ will survive to zone 4.
  2. Mints (Mentha spp.): Hardy peppermint, spearmint, and pineapple mint are all great options, but these fast-spreading plants must be grown in large pots (never the ground!) to keep them from taking over.
  3. Monarda (Monarda hybrids): These beautiful summer flowers for pollinators have a strong smell that deer cannot stand. Plant them alongside your vegetables.
  4. Catmint (Nepeta hybrids): The blue flowers of these hardy, bushy perennials (Zones 3-8) add great color to gardens. Proven Winners’ Cat’s Pajamas‘ is especially pretty.
  5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): For northern gardeners to successfully grow this favorite Mediterranean herb, I always recommend the hardier variety ‘Arp’ (Zones 6-10). If you live in a colder zone, bring it indoors in winter.
  6. Sage (Salvia officinalis): Pots of hardy sage (Zones 4-10) should help protect your vegetable garden and help flavor your favorite winter dishes.
  7. Thyme (Thymus spp.): All thymes are repellent to deer, so plant away.

I hope that they do keep deer out of your vegetable garden!

Happy gardening,

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist

How Do You Keep Slugs Away From Strawberries?

“What’s the best way to keep slugs from eating strawberries?” Question from Mary of Lincoln, Nebraska

Answer: There are several things that you can do to ensure that slugs don’t damage your strawberries. Here are six methods.

FOUR WAYS TO STOP SLUGS FROM EATING STRAWBERRIES

  1. Clean your vegetable beds up completely in fall, and till lightly in spring. This will remove any overwintering eggs.
  2. In spring, apply a layer of quality compost as a surface mulch to stop weeds and create an open, weed-free layer to keep slugs away.
  3. Apply diatomaceous earth at the base of your strawberry plants to deter slugs.
  4. Use Sluggo, a good slug killer that is approved for organic gardening.

I hope that these tips help.

Happy gardening!

Jessie Keith

Black Gold Horticulturist