Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden [Paperback]

Rhonda Massingham Hart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 15, 2005

Dealing with deer is a challenge for many gardeners and homeowners, but in Deerproofing Your Yard & Garden, master gardener Rhonda Massingham Hart tells homeowners exactly what they need to know: which commercial repellents are most (and least) effective, how to make homemade deterrents, and how to create a landscape designed to repel deer. This book is your best defense against unwanted deer.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

As deer populations increase, property owners are looking for ways to combat damage from them. Master gardener Hart (Dirt-Cheap Gardening, Storey, 1995) offers environmentally responsible methods for deterring deer from the yard and garden. Besides information on historical deer populations, the roots and extent of the current problem, deer species, subspecies in the United States, and the life cycle and behavior of deer, she provides extensive tips on "deer-o-scaping" (avoiding plants deer prefer, taking advantage of those they dislike, and incorporating designs and structures to discourage them). Hart includes plant lists and specifications for fences and offers an extensive discussion of the products and home remedies used for deterrence. Though other publications on the topic abound, Hart's compilation of research, product information, and source lists is sure to be valued by those dealing with this problem. Highly recommended for public libraries, particularly in suburban and rural locations.?Bonnie Poquette, Appleton P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“…a practical…paperback that offers beleaguered homeowners advice on designing a garden that deer will find unappealing.” --Country Living

“This paperback book tells you…how to confuse deer and how to design a landscape that deer won’t like.” --Austin American-Statesman

“The book teaches you how to create a landscape to deter deer, which deer products work, and which ones don’t.” --Des Moines Register

“This handy guide offers steps to make gardens less appetizing using effective, environmentally responsible techniques.” --Indianapolis Star

 
“Hart…not only gives deer-proofing ideas, but she explains deer behavior and preferences so readers can better under what attracts and deters the animals.” --Akron Beacon Journal

“…Hart helps homeowners develop a strategy to discourage uninvited diners…” --Akron Beacon Journal

“…Hart’s compilation of research, product information, and source lists is sure to be valued by those dealing with this problem . . . highly recommended for public libraries, particularly in suburban and rural locations.”  --Library Journal

“If deer raids on the garden are a problem, here is the solution.” --Booklist

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC (April 15, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580175856
• ISBN-13: 978-1580175852
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,578 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advice for coping with 'deer' neighbors, January 2, 2000

By 

Jill Aspinall (Vermont, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deer Proofing Your Yard & Garden (Library Binding)

Being new property & house owners in a suburban area adjacent to a deer wintering yard, this book provided us excellent advice on coping with our local deer population. We are planning a garden from scratch, and the information is very practical. It should help any gardener with deer in their area reduce their cost of resultant damage. The book deals with deer behavioural characteristics, and the likelihood of deer frequenting the property, as well as how to plan a deerproof garden. From plants that are detested by deer, to plants that will guarantee deer company: annual, perennial, shrub & tree choices are listed, including hardiness zone information. A range of strategies for keeping deer out of the garden is also included. The strategies go from fences to foul smelling substances to noise makers, and advice is given on the likelihood of success for each. An excellent tailorable reference book.

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Information laden and downright funny, September 7, 2000

By 

Hilary Beech (Aptos, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deer Proofing Your Yard & Garden (Library Binding)

This book is concise, well-structured and highly informative. It begins with an analysis of how deer think (if you can call it that!), and how they use their senses. The author then uses these insights to derive numerous strategies for avoiding attracting deer and deterring them if they do find your garden. These vary from what I would call defensive (avoid planting things that deer like to eat, using the exhaustive list provided as a guide - there are even some roses that deer apparently dislike!) to highly combative (electric fences, self-activated noises or sprinklers). She also offers numerous ideas for upsetting deers' reliance on their sense of smell, including stringing up highly scented soap bars, and spraying plants with homemade pepper spray or stinky egg mix! There is an edgy humor to the book that makes for a fun read. A very intelligent approach to a very exasperating problem. Buy it.

36 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The bible of deer resistant gardening, May 13, 2000

By 

Rebecca Green - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deer Proofing Your Yard & Garden (Library Binding)

This book has become the bible of deer resistant gardening for good reason. I have yet to find a more thorough text regarding deer behavior, deer deterrents and, deer resistant fences. If you have a deer problem you should defiantly read this book.

The one chapter that could be improved is the one entitled "Deer-o-Scaping", which discusses landscaping with deer resistant plants. The list of deer resistant plants provided in this chapter is divided into plant categories (i.e., annuals, perennials, etc...) and delineates the zones where each plant grows, as well as the plant's soil and light requirements. While this is certainly more information than I have seen provided in most deer resistant plant lists, it nevertheless assumes the reader knows what the plant looks like and is familiar with its' habit. The novice gardener will need to reference other publications to learn more about the plants in this list before he/she can plan an attractive deer resistant garden. The experienced gardener will undoubtedly wish the deer resistance of more unusual and exotic plants were discussed.