Yes, deer will eat blueberry plants if given the opportunity. Blueberry bushes are often a target for deer because of their tender leaves, buds, and even the berries themselves. If you live in an area with a high deer population, it’s important to take preventive measures to protect your blueberry plants from being damaged or destroyed by these animals. Deer can cause significant harm to blueberry bushes, especially during periods when natural food sources are scarce.
While deer are beautiful creatures, their foraging habits can wreak havoc on a garden, particularly when they target your blueberry bushes. Let’s explore why deer are attracted to blueberry plants, the damage they can cause, and how to protect your blueberry bushes from these hungry animals.
1. Why Deer Eat Blueberry Plants
Deer are herbivores, and they have a varied diet that includes a wide range of plants, including fruits, vegetables, shrubs, and trees. Blueberry plants are particularly appealing to deer because of their soft leaves, tender buds, and, later in the season, their sweet berries. Deer are more likely to eat blueberry plants when other food sources are limited, such as during the late fall, winter, and early spring.
- Tender Foliage: In the spring, when new growth begins to emerge, deer are attracted to the tender, nutrient-rich leaves and shoots. Blueberry bushes put out fresh growth early in the season, making them an easy target for foraging deer.
- Buds and Flowers: Deer will often eat the buds and flowers of blueberry bushes, which can significantly reduce fruit production. This is especially problematic if the deer feed on the plants before or during the flowering stage, as it directly impacts the number of berries the plant will produce.
- Ripening Berries: As the season progresses, the sweet, ripe blueberries themselves can attract deer. They are particularly drawn to the berries during the summer when the fruit is fully developed and ready to harvest.
2. The Damage Deer Can Cause to Blueberry Plants
Deer can cause extensive damage to blueberry plants, both by eating the foliage and by physically trampling the plants as they move through your garden. The extent of the damage often depends on the deer population in your area and how frequently they visit your garden.
- Leaf and Bud Damage: Deer will typically start by nibbling on the tender leaves and buds of blueberry bushes. This can weaken the plant and reduce its ability to photosynthesize, which is essential for growth and fruit production. If deer eat the buds in early spring, it can significantly impact the yield of blueberries for the season.
- Stem and Shoot Breakage: As deer forage, they may also break branches or shoots, especially if they are pulling at the foliage. This physical damage can stunt the plant’s growth and make it more susceptible to diseases and pests.
- Repeated Browsing: If deer return to your garden regularly, the damage can compound over time. Repeated browsing can severely weaken the blueberry bushes, making it difficult for them to recover and produce a healthy crop of fruit.
3. How to Protect Blueberry Plants from Deer
If deer are a problem in your area, there are several effective methods you can use to protect your blueberry plants from being eaten. These range from physical barriers like fencing to deterrents that make the plants less appealing to deer.
Fencing
- The most effective way to keep deer out of your blueberry patch is by installing a tall fence. Deer are excellent jumpers, so the fence needs to be at least 8 feet high to be effective. Some gardeners use double fencing—two shorter fences spaced about 3-4 feet apart—to confuse the deer and prevent them from jumping into the garden.
- For smaller areas, you can use netting or cages around individual blueberry bushes. This provides a physical barrier that prevents deer from accessing the plants while still allowing sunlight and rain to reach the bushes.
Deer Repellents
- Commercial deer repellents are available in spray form and are designed to make plants unappealing to deer by using smells or tastes that they dislike. These repellents often contain ingredients like garlic, hot pepper, or rotten egg solids. Spray the repellent on and around your blueberry bushes, reapplying every few weeks or after rain.
- Homemade deer repellents can also be effective. Some gardeners use a mixture of water, dish soap, and cayenne pepper, spraying it on the foliage to deter deer from nibbling. Others hang bars of soap or bags of human hair around their gardens, as the scent of humans or unfamiliar odors can scare deer away.
Motion-Activated Deterrents
- Motion-activated devices, such as sprinklers or lights, can be used to startle deer when they approach your blueberry bushes. These devices work by detecting movement and spraying water or shining bright lights, which scares the deer away. While these methods can be effective, they may require repositioning over time as deer may become accustomed to them.
Companion Planting
- Some gardeners use companion planting to deter deer from their blueberry bushes. Planting strong-smelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, or mint around the perimeter of your blueberry patch can help mask the scent of the berries and make the area less appealing to deer. While this method may not completely eliminate deer visits, it can reduce the likelihood of them targeting your blueberry plants.
4. Repairing Damage Caused by Deer
If deer have already damaged your blueberry bushes, there are a few steps you can take to help the plants recover. Start by pruning any broken or damaged branches to prevent the spread of disease and encourage new growth. Fertilizing the plants with a balanced organic fertilizer like BigAss Berries fertilizer can also help boost their recovery by providing the nutrients they need to grow back healthy.
For in-ground blueberry bushes, apply 1 scoop (1 tbsp or 15 ml) of BigAss Berries fertilizer per square foot of soil around the base of the plant. For container-grown blueberries, use half a scoop (1-2 tsp or 5-10 ml) for an 8-inch container, 1 scoop (1 tbsp or 15 ml) for a 12-inch container, and 1.5 scoops (1.5 tbsp or 22.5 ml) for a 16-inch container. Water the plants thoroughly after fertilizing to ensure the nutrients reach the root zone.
Conclusion
Yes, deer will eat blueberry plants, and they can cause significant damage if not properly protected. To prevent deer from feasting on your blueberry bushes, consider using a combination of fencing, repellents, and deterrents to keep them at bay. By taking proactive steps to protect your plants, you can ensure that your blueberry bushes remain healthy and productive. If damage does occur, proper pruning and fertilization with BigAss Berries fertilizer can help your plants recover and continue to produce delicious fruit for years to come.