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Naturally preventing rabbits, deer, and other critters from eating your plants

Updated: Jun 12

As the warm months approach, gardeners face a common challenge: protecting their outdoor plants from hungry herbivores like rabbits, deer, and other plant-eating mammals. While these animals are a natural part of the ecosystem, their overgrazing can significantly damage your plants and hinder their growth. Fortunately, several effective and natural methods can help keep these critters at bay and preserve the beauty of your garden and landscape.


Pro tips to protect your plants and garden from hungry herbivores. Naturally prevent rabbits and deer.


deer laying in residential garden bed
  1. Install motion-sensing lights or sprinkler heads. Enhance your protection by installing motion-sensing lights or sprinkler systems that activate after dark. Herbivorous mammals, like deer and rabbits, are most active at night. Placing these systems around your garden can startle and scare away these animals when they approach. This proactive approach ensures that your garden remains safeguarded when these animals are most likely to forage.

  2. Plant in abundant quantities. Don't let a few hungry visitors decimate your garden. By planting in larger quantities, you create a buffer that increases the chances of survival for your plants. Even if some are nibbled on, the overall health and appearance of your garden will be maintained. This strategy not only preserves your garden’s beauty but also reduces the need for costly or timely plant replacement.

  3. Create a natural scent barrier.  Enhance your garden's defense with a natural scent barrier that deters herbivores like deer and rabbits. Incorporate plants such as yarrow, allium, and mountain mint, which emit strong scents unappealing to these animals. Complement this with additional scent deterrents, such as store-bought or homemade solutions containing garlic, pepper, or soap, applied regularly around your garden. This holistic approach adds diversity and visual interest, while also creating an uninviting environment for plant-eating animals, encouraging them to find food elsewhere.

  4. Cover plants with deer netting.  Deer netting provides a physical barrier that prevents animals from accessing your plants. This netting is lightweight, easy to install, and allows sunlight and water to reach your plants while keeping hungry critters out. It is a practical solution for smaller plants and flower beds.

Rabbit in landscape

What to watch for

Look for signs of deer or rabbit activity, such as partially eaten leaves or bite marks on branches. While these signs indicate that animals are feeding on your plants, it's important to note that affected plants aren't necessarily dead. As long as the roots remain intact, your plants have the potential to recover and thrive in subsequent seasons.


Why is this important?

Deer and other herbivorous animals play essential roles in the ecosystem, but their feeding habits can be highly detrimental to your garden's health and beauty. Overgrazing by these animals can lead to significant damage to leaves and branches, inhibiting plant growth and compromising the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Additionally, frequent grazing can stress plants to the point where they may not recover, necessitating costly replacements.


Managing these animals' access to your plants is crucial not only for maintaining a vibrant and thriving garden but also for protecting your investment in your landscape. Replacing damaged or dead plants can be expensive and time-consuming. By implementing these strategies, you can protect your garden from hungry herbivores and enjoy a lush, healthy landscape throughout the warm months.

deer eating front yard tree in a neighborhood

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