How To Make A Raised Garden Bed That Is Deer Protected

How to Keep Animals out of Raised Garden Beds

We've been fielding a lot of questions lately about how high to make raised garden beds in order to keep out animals. In particular, we've heard horror stories of squirrels besieging tomato plants! No matter what your critter type, there are four general recommendations to keep them out of your garden beds. Spoiler alert: it's often not about the height of the bed at all.

1. Fence Them Out

RABBITS

The top of your fencing or height of your garden bed should be at least two feet from the ground to keep bunnies from jumping over.

SQUIRRELS:

If your issue is ground squirrels, note that a raised bed 18 inches high should keep them from burrowing in. If you plan on putting a fence around the perimeter of your garden, start by digging an 18 inch deep trench to bury the bottom of the fence. If you have only tree squirrels, skip this step. Construct a wire fence 3.5 to 5 feet tall. For tree squirrels that have no problem climbing, it is necessary to place hardware cloth or plastic bird netting over the top of the garden as well.

DEER:

A 6' high privacy fence is very likely to keep deer out. Out of sight, out of mind. Another option is a 4' high fence installed at a 45 degree angle, inward or out. Deer have poor depth perception and are likely to fear the fence. A 6 to 8 foot wide border of large, irregularly shaped rocks will work as well. Ungulates (hooved mammals) don't like to walk over rocky, unstable areas. If you're determined to put up a wire fence at a standard 90 degrees, make sure it is at least 8 feet tall. Another fence option is to put up a four foot high double fence. There should be about 4 feet in between the fences.

BIRDS:

Try plastic bird netting wrapped around your plants.

2. Deter Them

RABBITS:

Put human hair around the perimeter of your garden. A local salon should be able to supply you. Using fish emulsion to fertilize your plants may also help.

SQUIRRELS:

Sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of your plants. If you'd like to play mad scientist, whip up a concoction in your kitchen: 1 gallon water, 6 capfulls Murphy's oil soda, 2 tbs cayenne pepper. It's safe to spray on your plants! Predator urine has also been found to be effective.

DEER:

Predator urine can deter deer. Applying bloodmeal to your garden beds may also work.

BIRDS:

I'm not sure we'd call it a deterrent as much as a trick. Paint rocks to look like strawberries, cherries, whatever fruit the birds enjoy eating. Before the fruits ripen, place the rocks around the plants or hang them in the trees. The birds will investigate, and determine that the rock is not edible. Hopefully they'll be fooled when the actual fruit comes along.

3. Scare Them

RABBITS + SQUIRRELS:

Rodents will be less likely to frequent the garden if you have a dog or cat on patrol. If you don't own any and don't want to get one, try setting out a dish of cat food. The local tomcat just might make your garden part of his territorial stops, making it less attractive to his prey!

DEER:

A dog that is trained to chase deer is invaluable here. Some people also say that a realistic-looking owl sculpture may also help.

BIRDS:

Try a good old-fashioned scarecrow to keep birds out of the garden. Points for how realistic you can make it. Bonus: in the fall, you'll be ready to transition straight into Halloween season. Iridescent tape tied to your plants will also help. When the tape catches the sun, it flashes and the birds interpret the bright flare as fire.

4. Feed Them

RABBITS:

Rather than fight them, why not plant a plot of clover or alfalfa for the rabbits? Since that's their favorite food, they shouldn't even want to eat your garden. Bonus: bees will be attracted to the sweet flowers. More garden bees = improved pollination and more produce for your table!

SQUIRRELS:

In a corner far from your garden, set up a feeding station. Dried corn, sunflower seeds, and nuts are preferable to your fresh tomatoes. Keep out a pan of water, too. We've heard it said that squirrels get into your garden because they're thirsty.

DEER:

Do Not Feed the Deer. They are incorrigible once they view your property as a feeding area.

BIRDS:

Setting up a separate area for bird watching can add to the ambiance of your garden. But keep it away from your fruit trees and bushes! Just as a note, birds can improve your garden by eating harmful insects off your plants. (Try planting purple cabbage and green cabbage. The purple cabbage will be found with mysteriously with less worm damage. Why? The birds can spot the green cabbage worms much easier on the contrasting purple leaves!) A general wild birdseed mix and a birdbath will do nicely for them. Bonus: if you intend to keep squirrels out of this area, mix hot pepper flakes with the birdseed. The hot pepper doesn't bother the birds' tastebuds (they're not sensitive to capsicum), but the squirrels hate it.