How to Protect Your Garden from Deer & Rabbits (Without Losing Your Mind!)
If you've ever walked out to admire your garden only to find your tulips munched to nubs or your hostas turned into salad, you're not alone. Here in Wisconsin, rabbits and deer can be the most persistent (and frustrating!) garden visitors. But don’t worry — we’ve got your back and your backyard covered.
Let’s break down some of the best products we offer to keep those furry freeloaders at bay, plus some plant picks that naturally hold their own.
Your Garden Armor: Products We Trust
Plantskydd
This long-lasting, rain-resistant repellent is a gardener favorite. Made from dried blood (don’t worry — it’s organic and safe for pets!), it smells awful to deer and rabbits but is completely harmless to plants, people, and pollinators. Bonus: one application can last weeks!
Repels-All Granules
This stuff means business — combining garlic, dried blood, and other smelly ingredients into an easy-to-apply granule. It creates a scent barrier around your plants that animals just don't want to cross. Just shake it around the perimeter and let it do the work.
Liquid Fence (Ready-to-Use Spray)
Perfect for quick touch-ups or smaller garden beds! Spray directly on plants (especially new growth) and reapply after rain. Pro tip: apply in the evening when browsing pests are most active.
Repellex Granules
Targeted protection in tidy granule form. It soaks into the root zone and makes your plants taste bad from the inside out. Deer and rabbits will take one bite and move on — no second chances here.
Plant Smart: Deer & Rabbit Resistant Picks for Wisconsin
While no plant is completely safe from a very hungry deer or rabbit, these varieties tend to be lower on the menu in our region:
Millenium Onion
Russian Sage
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Lamb’s Ear
Ornamental Grasses
Bleeding Heart
Yarrow
Salvia
Lavender
We have many of these in stock throughout the season, and our team is happy to help you build a garden that’s beautiful and bite-proof.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits and deer are just part of the landscape here in Wisconsin — but they don’t have to ruin yours. With the right tools and a few savvy plant choices, you can outsmart them and keep your garden looking its best all season long.
Stop by and we’ll help you create a custom defense plan (and maybe share a few stories about our own battles with the backyard buffet line 😉).