What is an effective way to discourage deer from entering gardens?

Using motion-activated sprinklers is an effective way to discourage deer from entering gardens because these devices activate when they detect movement, spraying water in the process. The sudden burst of water startles deer and associates the area with an unpleasant experience, which leads them to avoid it in the future. This method utilizes the deer’s natural instinct to flee from unexpected stimuli, offering a non-lethal and humane deterrent.

In contrast, simply planting more flowers may not deter deer as they are attracted to gardens primarily for the vegetation, including flowers. Scenting the area with food is counterproductive as it would actually attract deer instead of repelling them. Leaving food out for deer also performs the same function, drawing them closer rather than deterring them from entering the garden. Overall, motion-activated sprinklers address the issue effectively by creating a negative experience for the deer.