Deer will eat anything in your yard and often come back for more if they like it. There are solutions and now is the time to get serious about deer-proofing your backyard.

Deer Resistant Plants

Decrease temptation for these gentle creatures by choosing deer-resistant plants. We spoke with Darrell Youngquest, perennial buyer at English Gardens, and received his suggestions on the best deer-resistant plants:

False Indigo: This trouble-free perennial features purple, pea-like flowers. It is available in traditional blue to purple along with several new colors, such as yellow, pink and chocolate.

Peony: Although the smell of peonies is delightful to us, it is known for deterring deer! Peonies add abundant color to your garden while preventing damage to your plants.

Herbs: Several herbs, such as thyme, oregano and catmint, have strong scents that are perfect for deterring deer. Creeping Thyme works well as groundcover or grow culinary Lemon Thyme to use in your kitchen!

Additionally, foxglove, allium, bleeding hearts, and helleborus are great options that deer typically won’t eat.

Natural Deterrents

A liquid or granular animal repellant regularly spread around the perimeter of your yard is effective.

A single application of I Must Garden deer repellant can be effective at deterring deer from your plants and flowers for up to two to three months. It is environmentally safe for family, pets and will not harm any animals. As plants grow, be sure to re-apply to protect the new growth, as well. The all-natural, OMRI-approved organic, Plantskydd is a popular option for stopping deer before they take their first bite. This vegetable oil and blood formula is a fear-based repellent, making deer think there is a predator in the area and for safety reasons, they need to vacate this garden immediately. It lasts up to six months over the winter and three months in the summer with reapplication to new plant growth.

Whimsical garden ornaments or motion-activated sprinklers can surprise deer. Remember to move it around to keep deer guessing.

Fences may seem to be the most obvious defense, however, deer are able to leap great heights. Remember to choose a fence at least eight feet tall or plant tall, thick evergreen hedges.

Here’s a list of other deer-resistant plants.