Pet deer

[sueb]

I was recently given two hanging baskets that need to be outside in the sun. However, I have four Fallow deer, who are pets, and they want to eat the plant.
Is there anything that can be sprayed on the plants that will not hurt the deer but make the plant undesireable to them?

[slh]

This sounds cruel....but, it works on most plants, in bird feeders, etc. where you don't want wildlife eatting your plants or bird seed. Mammals have the taste buds for "spicy-hot". Birds do not. Mix powdered cayenne pepper (about one teaspoon per 10 pound bag of bird seed. You won't have squirrels stealing the seeds, and it won't bother the birds. For the deer, try tobasco sauce mixed with water (just a few drops per quart of water), in a spray bottle. ......I said it sounds cruel, but it works the first time, and every time. If your deer are pets, be sure they have available water to drink after nibbling your hanging plants! Mammals learn fast, so one negative experience is usually enough to make them avoid your plants. Good luck. (...it took me 3 years to work up the courage to "squirrel proof" my bird seed. Wish I had done it sooner!)

[Tony M]

There is a product called liquid fence for deer and rabbits. Look them up on the net.
Tony M