Gardeners often face the challenge of protecting their plants from local wildlife, and deer are frequent visitors capable of causing significant damage. This raises a common question for those cultivating marijuana outdoors: are these plants also on the deer’s menu? The answer involves understanding both deer behavior and effective protection methods.
Deer and Marijuana Plants
Deer consume marijuana plants, with damage ranging from minor nibbling to complete destruction of young plants. They typically target tender parts like young leaves and shoots, especially when other food sources are scarce. While mature plants develop a more pungent aroma and bitter taste due to increased cannabinoid and terpene concentrations, making them less appealing, young plants and those in their vegetative stage are particularly vulnerable.
Deer damage is characterized by ragged or torn edges on leaves and stems, unlike the clean cuts left by smaller animals. This is because deer lack upper incisors, causing them to rip and tear vegetation. Signs of their presence include hoof tracks in soft soil and scattered droppings. When deer find a food source, they are creatures of habit and will often return, potentially causing significant defoliation or even consuming entire seedlings overnight.
Understanding Deer Attraction
Deer are opportunistic herbivores that will eat various plants, including garden crops, when available. Young, tender growth is particularly appealing due to its soft foliage, ease of digestion, and high moisture, fiber, and protein content during the vegetative stage.
While cannabis plants produce distinct aromatic compounds called terpenes, these scents do not always prevent deer from browsing. Terpenes may even attract deer or be associated with a food source in areas where the plant is widely grown. In environments where natural forage is limited, such as during drought or in late fall and early spring, marijuana plants can become an appealing food option for hungry deer.
Protecting Your Marijuana Plants from Deer
Protecting marijuana plants from deer involves a combination of strategies to create an undesirable environment for these animals. Physical barriers offer effective solutions. Fencing should be at least 6 to 8 feet high, as deer are capable jumpers, and should extend into the ground by at least a foot to prevent them from digging underneath. Options include chain link, wooden slats, or electric fencing for temporary or high-pressure situations. For individual plants, cages made from chicken wire or netting can provide protection.
Repellents can also be used, though their effectiveness may vary and require reapplication, especially after rain. Commercial repellents often use scent-based or taste-based deterrents. Homemade options include strong-smelling soaps hung near plants, or sprays made from ingredients like rotten eggs, garlic, hot pepper, or peppermint oil, which can be mixed with water and a small amount of dish soap to help them adhere to plants.
Human hair or predator urine can be scattered around the garden to create the illusion of a threat. Rotating different repellents can help prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent.
Companion planting involves surrounding marijuana plants with other species that deer tend to avoid due to strong scents or unpalatability. Herbs like lavender, rosemary, mint, oregano, sage, and thyme are suggested due to their strong aromas. Marigolds can deter certain pests and may help create a less appealing environment for deer. Strategic placement of your garden can contribute to protection; locating plants in visible areas or away from common deer paths may reduce their likelihood of discovery. Regular monitoring for signs of deer activity, such as tracks or nibbled plants, allows for prompt intervention.