Growing Food in Deer Country
Joy Story
Growing food in the Cowichan
Valley definitely has its challenges and grazing deer is perhaps the
greatest. Aside from putting up a 6 foot
fence, that can cost thousands of dollars to install, here are two methods that
won’t break the pocketbook, but will allow you to grow, at least some of your
own food.
The first method was discovered
after a fit of frustration with a newly planted dwarf fruit tree that continued
to be stripped of its flowers and leaves.
Instead of fencing in just the apple tree, a small garden was designed
around the apple tree encompassing an area of 10 feet by 10 feet. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground and
a roll of 4 foot high chicken wire was attached to the stakes. A gate was created out of sticks and attached
to the stakes as well. This temporary
fix has withheld the test of time for three years now, and so far, has not had one
deer jump into it. In the last
three years, the apple tree has thrived and the little garden continues to
produce food for the family.
Another method for growing food
that has been successful against grazing deer is this raised bed with a cage-like
lid that is hinged on one side. The cage
is made with sturdy stucco wire, pvc plumbing pipe and a strong rope that holds
it in place while you work on the bed.
Both the rain and the sun can go through the wire making it the perfect
deer proof raised bed. In the winter,
poly could be attached, extending the season to a year round garden. For more information on the Deer Proof Raised
Bed, contact growfood@shaw.ca
At Grow Food, we feel growing
food is the most important contribution we can all make to a sustainable future
and overcoming challenges will be met by finding new solutions.
“If you like to Eat – GROW FOOD!”
