White-tailed deer in suburban and rural areas often conflict with gardeners trying to protect their vegetable patches. Deer are herbivores that browse on a variety of plants, and gardens offer a concentrated, easily accessible food source. Brussels sprouts belong to the Brassica family, which includes cabbage, kale, and broccoli, a group of plants frequently targeted by browsing deer. Understanding the factors that drive deer to consume these crops is the first step toward successful management and protection.
Are Brussels Sprouts Appealing to Deer?
Brussels sprouts are palatable to deer and are categorized as a preferred vegetable crop when deer are actively feeding. The young, tender leaves and new growth are highly sought after because they offer high moisture and nutrient content. This makes the plant an attractive food source compared to many wild forages that may be drier or tougher.
Deer readily consume cole crops like Brussels sprouts, although they may prefer highly palatable native browse such as clover. The taste of Brussels sprouts changes dramatically as the season progresses, often dictating when deer feed on them heavily. Frosty temperatures convert starches within the plant tissue into sugars, significantly increasing the palatability and sweetness of the leaves and sprouts. This change makes the plants even more appealing just as other food sources begin to dwindle.
Factors That Increase Browsing Risk
Several environmental circumstances increase the likelihood of deer browsing on Brussels sprouts, potentially moving them from a secondary to a primary food source. High deer population density is a major contributing factor, as increased competition forces animals to forage on a wider range of available plants. When the local population exceeds the carrying capacity of its natural habitat, deer become less selective in their diet and consume plants they might otherwise avoid.
Seasonal scarcity plays a significant role in browsing behavior, particularly in late autumn and winter. Brussels sprouts are cool-season crops that remain standing and green long after many native plants have gone dormant or died back. This availability makes them a vital source of forage when natural browse is limited or covered by snow. During periods of drought, the high moisture content of the leaves also becomes highly desirable, providing needed hydration and concentrating deer activity around irrigated gardens.
Implementing Effective Deterrents
Protecting Brussels sprouts requires a combination of strategies, with physical barriers being the most reliable method for preventing browsing damage. Fencing is the most effective deterrent, though it must be high enough to prevent deer from jumping over it. A fence height of at least eight feet is recommended to be fully effective, as deer are capable of clearing lower obstructions.
Using two parallel fences spaced three to five feet apart is also an effective strategy, as deer are reluctant to jump a double barrier. Repellents offer a secondary line of defense and work by taste or scent, making the plant unappealing to the browsing animal. It is helpful to rotate different commercial or homemade repellents that utilize strong odors like egg solids, garlic, or mint to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to a single scent or taste. Repellents must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or heavy dew, to maintain effectiveness on new plant growth.