What is the best way to prevent deer from entering a garden?

Installing fencing or using repellents is the most effective way to prevent deer from entering a garden. Fencing provides a physical barrier that can effectively restrict deer access, especially if the fence is tall and designed to deter deer from jumping over it. The height and construction materials are critical, as deer can easily leap over low barriers.

Repellents, when applied properly, can discourage deer from approaching a garden by using scents or tastes that they find unappealing. These methods take advantage of deer behavior, as they are less likely to enter an area where they detect odors or tastes they associate with danger or unpleasantness.

While planting thorny bushes may offer some deterrent, it is not a fail-safe method since deer can be quite determined when foraging for food. Water sprinklers can startle deer momentarily but are not a reliable long-term solution, as deer tend to habituate to such sudden movements. Keeping lights on at night may have some impact, but it is often not a practical or effective method for deterring deer in the long term. Thus, the combination of a physical barrier and chemical or natural repellents effectively targets the problem and helps protect gardens from deer.