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Fertilizer becomes deterrent for pesky deer

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Know It and Grow It
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By
George Bonnema, Luverne Horticulturalist

It seems that garden plants that were showing growth last week survived the 16-degree cold without damage, and I’m appreciating that, especially after one breezy 88-degree day yesterday, I have daffodils blooming this morning … what a glorious morning view!
I do seem to have more than my share of critter problems … both two legs and four legs.
A pair of Canadian honkers seem to think Poplar Creek flowing next to my garden would be the ideal place to raise a family … food and water … what more could a freeloader ask for. They are pretty easy to dissuade.
However, the deer that has decided I am gardening for his benefit is a different threat. Deer will not touch daffodils, but tulips are definitely on their menu.
The deer problem became evident last winter when he would hit against the bird feeder to dump the bird seed out and then eat it off the snow. I strung electric fence around the area but never saw tracks in the snow to indicate that he had come back to check out the fence. Then a week ago, when I uncovered my spinach in another garden, he was most appreciative of that fresh salad.
I purchased 80 pounds of Milorganite fertilizer to spread on my own as well as gardens that I care for, and the odor of that fertilizer is enough to repel them. Milorganite is a fertilizer made from sewage sludge. It is composted so it is totally safe to use. The formulation is a great balance for flower or vegetable gardens so I hope I have convinced the deer that this is not the place for them to live happily ever after.
It rained last night or I would be out planting my potatoes, onions, lettuce, radishes and brassica crops (cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc.). These are all garden vegetables that benefit from early outdoor planting while the soil is cool. A light frost will not hurt them, although I do cover the started brassica plants with milk jugs to prevent the wind from beating them up.
The milk jug cover is what it says … cut three sides along the bottom and fold the fourth back like hinge. Set it over the plant and pile loose soil on the folded-out flap to keep the jug in place. Remove the cap so heat doesn’t build up during the day.
I leave them in place for a couple of weeks until the plant is trying to get out of the hole. Great way to recycle the jug, and I reuse them year after year.

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