Deer-Proof Your Garden for less than a Buck

Are you tired of deer munching on your precious crops, leaving you with hardly any harvest for yourself? I know the struggle, as I have faced this challenge in my own garden. Fencing might be the go-to solution, but it can be expensive, especially for renters like us. That's why I decided to experiment with homemade remedies, and I'm excited to share with you the most effective solution I've found - a DIY deer-repellent spray from safe kitchen ingredients!

What You'll Need:

• Garden sprayer (or large spray bottle)
• Warm water (1 gallon)
• Eggs (3)
• Milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese (3 tablespoons)
• Crushed garlic cloves (3)
• Cayenne pepper (3 tablespoons)
• Blender
• Strainer
• Soap (Bronner's or similar)
• Ginger (1-inch piece)
• Sauerkraut or kimchi juice (1 tablespoon)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Blend and Strain‌‌In a blender, combine eggs, milk (or yogurt/cottage cheese), crushed garlic cloves, cayenne pepper, ginger, and sauerkraut or kimchi juice with 3 cups of warm water. Blend everything until you get a smooth mixture. Once blended, strain the mixture into the remaining gallon of warm water. This will ensure that the spray is well-mixed and ready to use.

Step 2: Ferment the Mixture‌‌To enhance the effectiveness of the spray, it's time to let it ferment. Pour the strained mixture into a sealed container and allow it to ferment for a day or two. This fermentation process will give the spray an even more potent odor, further deterring deer from your crops.

Step 3: Strain into a Spray Bottle and Apply‌‌After the fermentation period, strain the mixture once more into a sprayer. Spray directly onto your plants and around the perimeter of your growing spaces. Avoid the part of the plant you intend to eat in the next 2 weeks. While it will smell for a few hours, after 1 day the smell will only be detectable to the unwanted visitors.

Step 4: Clean Out the Sprayer Before Storing‌‌To keep your sprayer in good condition and avoid any clogging issues, make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use. This simple step will ensure that the spray works efficiently and is ready for the next application.

Step 5: Reapply as Needed‌‌I recommend reapplying it every two weeks during the spring while deer establish their feeding patterns. Once the summer arrives, apply the spray once a month to maintain its effectiveness.

Remember, every garden and deer population may be different, so you might need to adjust the frequency of application based on your observations. Over time, the deer will associate the unpalatable scent with your crops and start looking for alternative food sources.

Deer can be a significant challenge for gardeners, but effective solutions don't always have to break the bank. With this simple and cost-effective homemade spray, you can protect your crops and enjoy a bountiful harvest, without expensive fencing. Happy gardening and happy deer-proofing!

Understanding the Ingredients:

Eggs: Eggs are a key ingredient in this homemade deer-repellent spray due to their strong and unpleasant smell when they decompose. The foul odor serves as a powerful deterrent, making the garden an unattractive feeding ground for deer and other pests.

Milk, Yogurt, or Cottage Cheese: The addition of milk, yogurt, or cottage cheese helps to create a thick and sticky consistency for the spray. This ensures that the mixture adheres well to plants and surfaces, providing longer-lasting protection against browsing animals.

Crushed Garlic Cloves: Garlic has natural insecticidal properties and a strong aroma that animals, including deer, find unappealing. The pungent smell of crushed garlic acts as a natural repellent, making deer think twice before approaching your garden.

Cayenne Pepper: The spiciness of cayenne pepper adds an extra layer of deterrence to the spray. The strong, burning sensation it creates when ingested by animals can make them associate your garden with discomfort, discouraging them from returning.

Soap: Adding a small amount of organic soap, such as Bronner's soap, can help the ingredients mix together more effectively. It acts as an emulsifier, ensuring that the water and oil-based components blend well, resulting in a consistent and potent spray.

Ginger: Ginger is known for its strong scent, and when combined with other ingredients, it contributes to the overall intensity of the repellent's smell. This aromatic spice enhances the deterrent effect on deer and other garden intruders.

Sauerkraut or Kimchi Juice: Sauerkraut or kimchi juice brings an additional layer of fermentation to the mix. Fermented liquids emit a more powerful odor, and the strong smell will serve as a lingering warning signal for deer to stay away from the treated area.

The recipe was adapted from Bob Villa Big thanks for sharing the recipe!!