Keep Wildlife Away From Gardens
The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) reported wildlife damage to U.S. agriculture at $944 million during 2001. Field crop losses to wildlife totaled $619 million and losses of vegetables, fruits, and nuts totaled $146 million.
Deer are the number one complaint from growers at garden nurseries and farms. But, deer aren't the only wild animal causing damage to organic gardens.
In the United States, these animals are causing the most agricultural damage:
- White-tailed deer (94% reported by farmers)
- Wild Hogs (61%)
- Coyotes (33%)
- Raccoons (30%)
- Armadillos (19%)
- Rabbits (10%)
In addition to the use of deer fencing and rodent barriers, growers are encouraged to plant flowers and herbs that these animals hate eating and smelling. Wildlife are picky eaters, just like you and I; and they will turn their noses away from certain tastes and odors.
Plants For Deer Resistance
| Verbena | Aster | |
| Mint | Lavender | |
| Daffodils | Marigolds | |
| Black-Eyed Susan | Hibiscus | |
| Oregano | Thyme | |
| Cayenne Pepper | Rosemary | |
| Basil | Garlic |
Trees To Plant For Deer Resistance
| White Spruce | Colorado Blue Spruce |
| Ginkgo | Red Maple |
| River Birch | Dawn Redwood |
| Black Tupelo | Tulip Poplar |
| American Holly | American Persimmon |
| American Sweetgum | Flowering Dogwood |
| Pond Cypress | Southern Magnolia |
Fencing recommendation: 7.5-8' feet high. Plastic or metal depending on amount of deer pressure.
Plants For Feral Pig Resistance
| Petunias | Pansies |
| Geraniums | Pepper Flakes (least effective from list) |
Fencing recommendation: 3-4' feet high steel fence for wild hogs.
Plants For Coyote/Wolf Resistance
Unfortunately, coyotes are not picky eaters; and they will eat small/medium sized game including rabbits, deer, fish, frogs and insects as well as pets!
Fencing recommendation: 6' feet tall, metal fence.
Plants For Armadillo Resistance
| Ammonia - leave a saucer full of this liquid. Raccoons and armadillos hate the smell of ammonia; and they will run away after a brief sniff. |
| Mothballs - place around the yard. The smell is fatal to raccoons |
Fencing recommendation: 2-3' feet high, steel material. Armadillos do not jump; but they burrow. Bury the metal fence at least 12-18 inches for best results.
Plants For Rabbit Resistance
| Azalea | Daffodils |
| Snapdragon | Sunflowers |
| Tomatoes | Peppers |
| Basil | Asparagus |
| Geraniums | Begonia |
| Cleome | Marigold |
Fencing recommendation: 2-3' feet high, steel material. Stop burrowing by burying the fence at least 6 inches into the ground.
