Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, offering both beauty and sustenance. However, one of the most common challenges faced by gardeners is keeping deer away from their precious plants. Deer are notorious for their ability to munch through a garden in no time, leaving behind a trail of destruction. While there are many commercial solutions available, they can be costly and sometimes ineffective.
My grandpa, a seasoned gardener, swears by a simple, homemade solution that has kept his garden deer-free for years. This article will delve into this 4-ingredient recipe and how it can help you protect your garden for good.
The Problem with Deer in Your Garden
Deer are beautiful creatures, but they can be a gardener’s worst nightmare. They are particularly fond of tender shoots, flowers, and vegetables, which can devastate a garden overnight. In areas where deer populations are high, they can become a persistent problem, making it difficult to grow certain plants. Not only do they eat the plants, but their trampling can also cause significant damage. Traditional fencing can be expensive and unsightly, and many gardeners are looking for natural, cost-effective solutions to keep deer at bay.
Grandpa’s 4-Ingredient Deer Repellent Recipe
You’ll Need:
1 cup blood meal
(Find it in the gardening section; it’s an organic fertilizer.)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 gallon water
Large bucket or watering can
Spray bottle or garden sprayer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Add Water
Pour 1 gallon of water into a large bucket or watering can.
Mix in the Ingredients
Add 1 cup of blood meal, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of ground cloves, and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder to the water.
Stir Thoroughly
Use a stick or large spoon to stir the mixture until all the ingredients are dissolved as much as possible.
