Social distancing is a term that was created in lieu of the Coronavirus, aka COVID-19. It's a way for family, friends, pets, and community members to stay safe from the spread of the flu-like virus while out, keeping a distance of at least 6 feet. Since we are doing this with people and pets, can wildlife please, please, please do this with our plants? They think not; but we think they should. Here is what home gardeners will need to do to keep deer at bay.

First things first, home gardeners are encouraged to install deer fencing - but not the cheap stuff found at big box stores. We are talking about heavy duty grade polypropylene fence or steel fence coated with plastic. These types of deer fences are UV-stabilized to stand up to weather elements and are long-lasting - averaging about 15-20 years to start. Deer fencing will need to be at least 7.5' to 8' feet high in order to keep deer away from home gardens. 

Home growers will also need to plant deer-resistant flowers, herbs and trees to keep deer away from the good plants. While some plants taste like candy to deer, there are certain types of plants that deer can't stand tasting or smelling. Some trees even have annoying needles that poke their tongues. Ouch.

These two measures are the most effective means for deer management in gardens. While deer repellents, and animal urine, are affordable to buy as a deer deterrent, they aren't long lasting and they disappear after rain, snow and extreme heat.