Deer, Bambi’s less-than-graceful cousins, have a reputation for being plant-munchers of the highest order. But do these majestic creatures really chow down on geraniums like they’re going out of style? The answer, my dear readers, is a resounding… maybe.
You see, deer are opportunistic feeders, which means they’ll eat just about anything that’s available to them. And if your geraniums happen to be in a location where deer can easily access them, well, you might as well say goodbye to your beloved blooms. But on the other hand, if your geraniums are safely tucked away in a fenced-in garden or on a high windowsill, you may be able to keep them out of the deer’s reach.
Now, you might be thinking, “But wait! I’ve heard that deer will eat anything! So how can geraniums be deer-resistant?” Well, it’s all about understanding the deer’s preferences and habits. You see, while deer will eat a wide variety of plants, they do have certain plants that they tend to avoid. And lucky for us, geraniums happen to be one of them.
According to gardening experts, geraniums are considered to be deer-resistant because they have a strong, pungent smell that deer don’t find particularly appetizing. So, if you’re looking to add some color to your garden without having to worry about the local deer population, geraniums might be the way to go.
But, as always, there’s a catch. Just because geraniums are deer-resistant, it doesn’t mean that deer won’t eat them. It just means that they are less likely to be eaten by deer. So, if you live in an area with a high deer population, it’s still a good idea to take precautions to protect your geraniums.
To ensure that your geraniums stay safe from deer, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Use deer repellent: There are various types of deer repellents available, including those that use natural ingredients such as eggs, garlic, and hot pepper. These can be effective in keeping deer away from your geraniums.
- Fence them in: A tall fence around your garden can be an effective barrier to keep deer out. Be sure to make sure that the fence is tall enough and sturdy enough to keep the deer out.
- Plant them in a raised bed or container: Planting your geraniums in a raised bed or container can make it more difficult for deer to reach them. This is especially useful if you have a small area or balcony to grow your geraniums.
- Keep them out of reach: As already mentioned, if you have a high windowsill, balcony or terrace, you can place your geraniums there. This will keep them out of reach of the deer.
- Use companion planting: Planting other plants around your geraniums that deer prefer, such as woody shrubs and trees, leafy greens and fruits, can help to distract the deer away from your geraniums.
- Use a motion-activated sprinkler: A motion-activated sprinkler that turns on when it detects movement can be an effective deterrent to keep deer away from your geraniums.
In addition, it’s important to note that there are different types of geraniums, some are more deer resistant than others. For instance, scented geraniums are known to have a stronger scent and are less likely to be nibbled on by deer.
In short, geraniums can be a great choice for gardeners looking to add some color to their landscape without having to worry about deer. But, as with any plant, it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the worst and protect them just in case. And let’s be real, even if the deer do munch on your geraniums, at least you’ll have a good laugh knowing that they are probably making faces because of the strong scent.
But let’s be real, the real question here is not whether deer will eat geraniums, but rather, can we trust these plant-munching bandits to make good choices when it comes to their dietary habits? I mean, have you ever seen a deer chowing down on a salad? I think not. It’s like they’re on a never-ending quest to find the most inedible things to eat.
So, in conclusion, while deer may or may not eat your geraniums, it’s always a good idea to err on the side of caution and take steps to protect your plants. And if you do happen to spot a deer munching on your geraniums, just remember that they’re only following their instincts. But if you ask me, they should stick to salads like the rest of us.
