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10 Deer-Resistant Vegetables and Herbs

Gardening Guide: The Outstanding Onion Gardening Guide: All You Need to Know About Growing, Harvesting, Cooking, and Eating Delicious Onions

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10 Deer-Resistant Vegetables and Herbs

Plant these deer-resistant vegetables so you can focus on the goal of growing a garden that’s yours to enjoy.

By Amanda MacArthur

deer resistant vegetables

When I think of deer-resistant vegetables, it’s usually a cartoon that comes to mind. I can picture little veggies with shields and swords trying to ward off a herd of hungry deer, mouths drooling, hooves stamping, and a little fire in their eyes. The vegetables are tenacious and scrappy, maybe leeks, banding together behind Sgt. Garlic and Captain Onion. 

Obviously, that’s not what happens. It’s more likely the vegetables would all cower in fear, since deer are known to decimate gardens. They’ll eat almost anything, even if they don’t like it, just to make sure it doesn’t belong on the menu. 

But there are some deer-resistant vegetables that you can plant around more delicate vegetables as a way to limit the destruction. 

Deer-resistant vegetables and herbs that belong in your garden

Unless you live in an urban area or have a good fence, chances are you may have deer checking out your garden. They live across the U.S., and though they prefer wooded areas, it’s not out of the question to find them in the suburbs. Deer are ruminants, meaning they have a four-chambered stomach. In short, this means they can digest a lot of different plant materials. They eat twigs, shrubs, plants, berries, chestnuts, acorns, plums, apples, pears, mushrooms, and almost anything in your garden.

That said, there is a small number of at least somewhat deer-resistant vegetables and herbs. You can grow these as a border to protect your more vulnerable plants, or use them in conjunction with fencing to try and keep deer out of your garden. 

  1. Onions. Onions are fairly easy to grow, there are a number of different varieties, and neither deer nor rabbits enjoy these. 
  1. Garlic. Another easy-to-grow vegetable that repels deer, rabbits and a variety of other pests is garlic. And you can never really have too much garlic. 
  1. Chives. Like onions and garlic, the fast-growing chive plant is not a favorite of deer or rabbits. Additionally, the chive flower attracts pollinators.
  1. Fennel. Fennel grows easily in most gardens, tastes great in a stew, and smells lovely. Deer, however, don’t like it.
  1. Dill. If you’re starting to think that deer-resistant vegetables and herbs all have a strong scent, you’re mostly right. Deer generally avoid these flavors, but they do love basil (I can’t really fault them for that, either).
  1. Eggplant. The prickly vines of the eggplant help deter deer. Additionally, there is some evidence that plants in the nightshade family, like eggplant, are toxic to deer. 
  1. Sage. This perennial herb is easy to grow, adds an earthy aroma to a variety of dishes, and is unpopular with deer. 
  1. Hot pepper. It’s probably easy enough to understand why deer don’t like these very much. 
  1. Cantaloupe. While deer may munch on the vines of the cantaloupe, the thick rind protects the melon itself.
  2. Rhubarb. There are some mixed messages around whether or not rhubarb should be included in a list of deer-resistant vegetables. However, rhubarb is easy to grow, and the stalks are wonderfully delicious, so it’s worth trying. 

The fact is, if they’re hungry enough, deer will eat darn near anything. To really limit their impact on your garden, you may need to take more drastic measures, such as fencing or covers. You could also try motion-sensor sprinklers, wind chimes, or garden decorations that move with the breeze.

Or you could just plant some extra veggies for your wildlife neighbors.

What plants do you grow in your garden that keep deer away? I’d love to read your ideas in the comments section.

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Tags

basil, eggplant, fennel, garlic, onions, rhubarb, vegetables and herbs

Comments
  • Desire G. October 5, 2022

    I plant a border of Marigolds (the regular more pougent bright yellow ones) around my garden and the animals don’t cross it. I may try using cayenne pepper too around the border next outdoor planting season.

    Reply
  • Reader L. October 4, 2022

    We have the garden close to the house and have a high fence around our 3 gardens.The deer still are my Sedum.Depending on the weather if it is not and dry they eat my Hosted and other flowers.They have to eat also.We are living in their backyard.

    Reply
  • Lori N. June 29, 2022

    Grow rosemary on the perimeter of your garden….deer won’t cross it.

    Reply
  • Nancianne September 27, 2021

    Thank you for these tips I have squirrels 2nd year no pickling cucumbers no zucchini. I plant marigolds and sprinkle everything with cayenne pepper !

    Reply
    • Mila P. December 12, 2021

      Same problem here. I’m gonna use your tips!

      Reply

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Curator’s Corner
  • Introduction
  • Feature Articles

  • Types of Onion Plants
  • Choosing to Grow Onions from Seeds, Transplants, or Sets
  • Growing Onions in Open Land, in Raised Beds, or in Containers
  • Starting with the Right Soil for Your Onion Plants
  • Companion Planting with Your Onion Crop: What to Plant Nearby—and What to Keep at a Distance
  • The Right Sunlight for Your Onion Plants
  • Should You Fertilize Your Onion Plants?
  • How—and When—to Water Your Onion Plants
  • How to Spot, Treat, and Prevent Onion Diseases
  • Bulb Rot in Onion Plants: How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Different Types of Bulb Rot
  • What to Do About Pests that Can Harm Your Onion Plants
  • The Right Way to Weed Your Onion Patch
  • Why Do Onions Make You Cry?
  • Onion Harvesting, Curing, and Storage Tips
  • Essential Tools and Equipment for Growing and Enjoying Onions
  • Plant Profiles

  • Dutch Yellow Shallots
  • French Red Shallots
  • Patterson Onions
  • Walla Walla Onions
  • Southport Red Globe Onions
  • White Sweet Spanish Onions
  • Utah Yellow Sweet Spanish Onions
  • Candy Onions
  • Red Burgundy Onions
  • Yellow Granex Onions
  • Early White Grano Onions
  • Recipes

  • Easy Onion Dinner Rolls
  • Onions in a Pickle
  • French Onion Soup
  • Scalloped Onions
  • Onion-Topped Focaccia Bread
  • Caramelized Onions
  • No-Guilt Onion Bloom
  • Additional Articles

  • Nutrition Facts about Onions
  • Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Onions
  • Resources about Onions
  • Onion Glossary
  • Related Articles

  • Are You Storing Onions the Wrong Way? Learn How to Store Every Variety
  • 10 Deer-Resistant Vegetables and Herbs
  • The Best Vegetables to Plant Together for an Unbelievable Harvest
  • 5 Tips for Growing a Healthy Harvest of Onions This Year

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