Saving newly Planted Trees
With the end of summer upon us it is time to protect trees that are smaller in diameter than 3". Male deer mark their territories,against other bucks, in the next few months by stripping the bark off of young trees. They do this by rubbing their antlers against the bark, if the tree lives it will be permanently deformed. To save your new trees it is best to rap them up to a height of 5 feet. This was a lesson we learned the hard way last year after waiting too late in to the fall to protect two new willows that were freshly planted.
This is a neighbors tree that is at least 3"' in diameter.
Deer Tactics
Our first tip comes from Penny LaBorde on how to keep the deer from eating the daylilies. She has tried the commercial sprays where the smell of blood sends you choking while running in the house. The sprays only last till the next rain. What she has found that repels the deer and is rain resistant is mentholated chest rub. What you do is dip your fingers in it then wipe the buds. This is a little labor intensive but is rainproof. If the deer do go for a taste it is only once. She has been using this for a couple of years with great success.
Deer Spray
This tip was learn from Dee Brown's neighbors Glen and Joann. When we were done viewing Dee's garden earlier this year we walked down the block where Glen was kind enough to invite us into his garden. The talk got around to animals eating the plants at which point JoAnn ran into the house and brought out a hand lettered recipe for animal repellent. They have used this formula,which works on rabbits also, for years. Mentioning it to Dee, she swears by it too.
1 egg
1/2 milk
1 tablespoon cooking oil
1 tablespoon dish detergent
1 gallon water
Beat egg & milk together, add oil & detergent. Add mixture to water and shake well.Store in covered gallon container. Apply liquid to plants (except food plants) using a spray bottle. Repeat every 2 weeks and after heavy rain.
Keeping Your Nails Presentable
Even though we wear those nifty gloves, often our fingernails still get soiled. Scratch a bar of your favorite handsoap with your nails before heading to the garden. At quitting time, only a little light scrubbing is needed for the clean-up detail.
Tip by: Marie Van Huis
