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!”