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Gardening tips for Duluth's Northern climate, hosted by Master Gardener Tom Kasper.

Tips for Hardy Gardeners: Oh, Deer!

A small deer looking at the camera, standing on a green lawn in front of a few plants lining a white, vine-covered wall
Luke Moravec

They're out there watching us, waiting for their opportunity to descend on our gardens and devour whatever they can.

So, what's to be done about deer?

With harvest time growing ever closer, some gardeners may wish to take measures against the many deer in the area trespassing and chomping away on a summer's worth of toil in the soil. Tom Kasper has a few options to defend against deer, but each has its pros and cons.

A Fence!
Pros: An 8-foot-tall fence will keep even the most athletic deer from jumping over.
Cons: The financial investment might be an immediate deterrent.

Deer Spray!
Pros: Most sprays are proven to be effective and will keep the deer away.
Cons: Rotten eggs are one of the main ingredients - deer might not like the taste, and you might not like the smell.

Motion Sprinklers!
Pros: A motion-activated water blast will scare the deer and keep them from your veggies.
Cons: If you forget to deactivate the system, you'll be the one getting a blast of water.

Of course, after the season ends, some gardeners open up their gates and lower their defenses, because even the deer have their pros and cons. They might get to your produce, but they'll also trim your dying autumn plants.

You can hear Tips for Hardy Gardeners every other Tuesday at 8:20am on Northland Morning.

Luke Moravec is the host for Northland Morning on The North 103.3. He’s also a local actor, musician and writer. He loves puzzles, riddles and fun mysteries.
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