Sharing gardens with deer

Q. How do I keep the deer from eating my tulips?

Roland from Canfield

A. Bulbs are a great thing to plant in fall for spring enjoyment. Daffodils are relatively easy to grow, as are some other bulbs like allium, snowdrops and fritilaria. Tulips present a challenge for many reasons, with deer being one of the main culprits.

Even if deer are out of the picture, tulip planting needs to be well-planned if you want them to last for more than just two or three seasons. It starts with fertile soil that is well- drained. So, planting in clay soils is out. Planting in raised beds where soil drains away is a best bet. Amending the soil with one half to one third organic matter when building up a raised bed will help improve drainage.

The other key is fertile soil. Jane Martin, one of our retired bulb experts, used to call tulips “heavy feeders!” Her recommendation was to always fertilize tulips when the foliage began to emerge, then again after the flowers began to fade. This helped keep the bulbs in tip-top shape to bloom the same size flower next season. The fertilizer should have higher P (phosphorus) and K (potassium) values than N (nitrogen) values, and should be applied according to label directions.

So, back to the question – the deer. Deer are not picky eaters in late winter and early spring. Anything you have been caring for that has a decent taste will suit their fancy for a snack – especially if they are running out of food after a cold winter. So, make some plans now to help keep the deer away from your tulips.

First, avoid planting in well-traveled spots. Deer are creatures of habit. If they travel through a certain part of the yard, they will continue to use that path. Figure out where the deer are going through your yard and garden in late winter and early spring. Try not to plant in those areas.

Next, use companion planting to confuse them. By planting tulips in and around plants deer do not like will help cloak them, making it more likely that the deer won’t bother them.

Of course, you can try the repellents, fencing, planting an extra “deer garden” and other labors of love to protect your prized plants. Some of these work better than others. For details, go to: http://go.osu.edu/habitatmodification

For a list of plants rated by deer resistance, visit go.osu.edu/deerrating.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office plant and pest clinic at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Regular clinic hours are 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.