Collard greens are a popular leafy vegetable, cherished by many for their flavor and nutritional benefits in home gardens. However, gardeners often face the challenge of protecting these plants from browsing deer. This article will explore deer dietary habits concerning collard greens, how to identify deer damage, and effective strategies for safeguarding your collard plants, including methods for their recovery after browsing.
Deer’s Dietary Habits and Collard Greens
Deer are primarily herbivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of plant matter, including grasses, leaves, twigs, fruits, and nuts. Collard greens, with their lush foliage and high water content, are appealing to deer, especially during late summer and fall when other natural food sources may become less abundant. As browsers, deer prefer to eat the tender tips of new growth on plants, a preference collard greens fit well.
Identifying Deer Damage
Recognizing deer damage on collard greens involves looking for specific indicators. Deer lack upper incisors, so they tend to tear leaves rather than make clean cuts, resulting in ragged or torn edges. Browsing typically occurs at a height accessible to deer, often above ground level, with damage commonly found up to 6 feet high. The presence of distinctive split-hoof deer tracks or droppings near damaged plants can further confirm deer activity.
Protecting Your Collard Greens from Deer
Effective protection of collard greens from deer often involves a combination of strategies, with physical barriers being the most reliable.
Fencing
Fencing is the most effective method, creating a physical barrier deer cannot easily bypass. For most deer, a fence needs to be at least 7 to 8 feet tall, as they can jump considerable heights. Various types of fencing can be used, including metal mesh, polypropylene mesh, woven wire, or electric fences. Electric fences deliver a mild shock, conditioning deer to avoid the area, and can be effective with wires set at specific heights or with baited flags.
Deer Repellents
Deer repellents offer another layer of defense, working through taste or smell to make plants unappetizing or the area undesirable. Commercial repellents often contain putrescent egg solids, garlic, or essential oils, which are unpleasant to deer but generally safe for plants and pets. Homemade options include ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, hot peppers, milk, or soap, which emit strong odors deer dislike. Repellents should be applied thoroughly to dry plant surfaces and reapplied regularly, typically every 2-4 weeks, or after heavy rain, as water can wash away the product.
Other Deterrent Methods
Strategic garden placement can also help, as deer are less likely to approach areas with frequent human activity, such as gardens close to the house. Companion planting, which involves interspersing collard greens with plants deer tend to avoid, can also contribute to deterrence. Plants with strong scents, fuzzy leaves, or bitter tastes, such as lavender, mint, oregano, sage, or marigolds, are generally less appealing to deer. While these methods can reduce browsing, they are often less reliable than robust physical barriers.
Collard Greens Recovery After Deer Browse
Collard greens are resilient plants and can often recover from deer browsing, especially if the damage is not extensive. After an incident, providing proper care, such as adequate water and light fertilization, can promote new growth. If only a portion of the leaves has been eaten, the plant may regrow from the remaining stem and root system. However, if the plant is severely defoliated or its growing point is damaged, recovery may be slow or the plant might not survive. Continuing prevention efforts for any remaining or new plants is important to avoid repeated damage.