Deer are beautiful and docile creatures, but they can be pesky when it comes to garden plants. It’s not uncommon for the deer to help themselves to available plants and vegetables. Deer movement can also ruin shrubs and young fresh trees. Luckily, there are a few plant fertilizers which can serve the dual purpose of promoting plant growth and deterring deer from eating the garden’s produce. The three fertilizers recommended for this purpose are Milorganite, Plantskydd Deer Repellent, and Dried Blood Meal. Milorganite has been studied extensively, thus will be the primary focus. The remaining fertilizers will be discussed as alternative methods of keeping deer out of the garden.
Milorganite
Milorganite is composed of a semisolid residue of organic matter, which is produced as a result of waste-water treatment in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This word is actually an abbreviation of "MILwaukee ORGanic NITrogEn.” Sewage sludge is a semi-solid filtrate of natural material generated as a result of waste-water management. Its fertilizer value comes from the nitrogen, phosphorus and organic matter in the waste-water that is left behind in the sewage sludge.
Large quantities of noxious waste and pathogens that go into the waste-water management plants from homes, businesses and industry also ends up in the sludge. Consequently, Milorganite generates a darkish green colored, thick turf without causing extreme top growth. Its deer repellent qualities come from the pungent odor, which causes the animals to steer clear of it. According to a Cornell University study, Milorganite is a slight deer repellent.
Milorganite Safety Concerns
Milorganite has risk factor safety concerns, including harvest pollution and soil ingestion. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has cleared the product for use, critics are concerned about adverse effects on the environment. These risks can be minimized by reducing contact of children and dogs with the matter (both in storage and after it is applied to soil.) Some dogs pay attention to and eat fecal material, including Milorganite. Therefore, bags must be stored where there is no entrance for dogs. It is essential to wash hands after product use or coming into contact with soil onto which it was recently applied. Limiting the amount used, carefully washing produce, or avoiding use on vegetables are also ways to reduce risks.
Plantskydd Deer Repellent
Plantskydd Deer Repellent was originally created in 1991 in Sweden, as a response to commercial forest farms being destroyed by plant eating animals. It is considered to be the most economical as well as environmentally harmless animal repulsive offered. Plantskydd is used and highly accepted by a number of different organizations, such as chief forest companies, nurseries, agricultural farms, private woodlot owners, home gardeners, as well as State/Provincial and National Conservation agencies.
Dried Blood Meal
Dried blood meal is an effective alternative to Milorganite or Plantskydd Deer Repellent. It is considerably untraceable, and is used as an odor-free deer repellent. Dried blood meal will also supplement the soil as a fertilizer, and supply nutrients to support growth of young trees and shrubs.
In making the decision on which deer repellent fertilizer to choose, it's important to consider whether small children or other pets will be near the garden. If this is the case, Milorganite may not be the best option. Under these circumstances it may be advantageous to try one of the other alternatives first to see if they keep deer out of the garden effectively.
Sources:
Cornell University Waste Management Institute: Home Garden Use of Milorganite (accessed 12/7/2010)
Plantskydd: Deer Repellent (accessed 12/7/2010)
Deer-Departed.com: Milorganite For Deer Control (accessed 12/7/2010)
Plants From Deer Over-Browsing (accessed 12/7/2010)
Cheri Pearson - Cheri Pearson is a seasoned freelance journalist who holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of ...
