Do Deer Eat Cabbage Plants?

Do Deer Eat Cabbage Plants?

Cabbage is a popular vegetable that is grown in many parts of the world. It is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. Cabbage is a nutritious vegetable that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, cabbage can also be a target for deer, which can damage or even destroy entire cabbage plants.

In this article, we will discuss whether or not deer eat cabbage plants, and what you can do to protect your cabbage from deer. We will also provide tips on how to deter deer from your yard altogether.

Question	Answer	Source
Do Deer Eat Cabbage Plants?	Yes	The Spruce Eats
What parts of cabbage plants do deer eat?	Leaves, stems, and roots	The Spruce Eats
How much damage can deer do to cabbage plants?	Significant damage, especially if there are a lot of deer in the area	The Spruce Eats

Do Deer Eat Cabbage Plants?

Deer are herbivores, and they will eat a variety of plants, including cabbage. Cabbage is a nutritious and tasty food for deer, and they will often eat it if they have the opportunity.

What are the signs of deer damage to cabbage plants?

There are a few signs that you can look for to determine if deer have been eating your cabbage plants.

• Ragged edges and holes in the leaves of cabbage plants. Deer will often browse on the leaves of cabbage plants, leaving behind ragged edges and holes.
• Entire heads of cabbage missing. Deer may also eat the entire head of cabbage, leaving only the stem.
• Deer droppings and tracks near cabbage plants. Deer droppings and tracks may be found near cabbage plants that have been damaged.

How can you protect cabbage plants from deer?

There are a few things you can do to protect your cabbage plants from deer.

Fencing

Fencing is the most effective way to keep deer away from cabbage plants. A deer-proof fence should be at least 8 feet tall and should be made of a material that deer cannot see through, such as wire mesh or chicken wire. The fence should also be buried at least 1 foot deep to prevent deer from digging under it.

Repellents

There are a variety of commercial deer repellents available that can be used to keep deer away from cabbage plants. These repellents typically contain scents that deer find unpleasant, such as garlic, pepper, or blood meal. You can also make your own deer repellent using natural ingredients, such as hot pepper sauce or crushed garlic cloves.

Other deterrents

In addition to fencing and repellents, there are a few other things you can do to deter deer from eating your cabbage plants.

• Plant your cabbage plants in raised beds. Deer are less likely to eat cabbage plants that are grown in raised beds, as they are more difficult for deer to reach.
• Cover your cabbage plants with a row cover. A row cover is a lightweight, fabric covering that can be used to protect cabbage plants from deer. Row covers are available at most garden centers.
• Install motion-activated sprinklers. Motion-activated sprinklers can be used to deter deer from your garden. The sprinklers will spray water at deer when they move, which will scare them away.

Cabbage is a delicious and nutritious vegetable, but it can be a challenge to grow if you have deer in your area. By following the tips in this article, you can help to protect your cabbage plants from deer damage.

Do Deer Eat Cabbage Plants?

Deer are herbivores, and they will eat a variety of plants, including cabbage plants. However, they are not as fond of cabbage as they are of other plants, such as alfalfa, clover, and grasses. This is because cabbage plants contain a chemical called glucosinolate, which deer do not like the taste of.

What are the signs that deer have been eating your cabbage plants?

If you suspect that deer have been eating your cabbage plants, there are a few signs you can look for:

• Cabbage leaves that have been stripped of their leaves.
• Cabbage plants that have been knocked over or trampled.
• Tracks or droppings near your cabbage plants.

How to prevent deer from eating your cabbage plants?

There are a few things you can do to prevent deer from eating your cabbage plants:

• Install a deer fence around your garden. This is the most effective way to keep deer out of your garden, but it can be expensive.
• Use deer repellents. There are a variety of deer repellents available on the market, but not all of them are effective. Some of the most effective repellents contain capsaicin, which is the compound that gives chili peppers their heat.
• Plant deer-resistant plants. There are a number of plants that deer do not like to eat, such as yarrow, lavender, and rosemary.
• Cover your cabbage plants with a protective covering. You can use a variety of materials to cover your cabbage plants, such as chicken wire, plastic sheeting, or netting.

Cabbage plants are a delicious and nutritious vegetable, but they can be a target for deer. By following these tips, you can help to keep your cabbage plants safe from deer.

Do deer eat cabbage plants?

Yes, deer will eat cabbage plants. They are attracted to the leaves and can quickly damage or destroy a cabbage crop.

What can I do to protect my cabbage plants from deer?

There are a number of things you can do to protect your cabbage plants from deer, including:

• Fencing: The most effective way to keep deer out of your garden is to install a sturdy fence around the perimeter. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall and made of a material that deer cannot easily penetrate, such as wire mesh or chicken wire.
• Covering plants: You can also protect your cabbage plants by covering them with a physical barrier, such as a row cover or floating row cover. These covers are made of lightweight fabric that allows sunlight and water to reach the plants, but prevents deer from reaching them.
• Using repellents: There are a number of commercial repellents available that can help to deter deer from your garden. These repellents are typically made with scents that deer find unpleasant, such as garlic, hot pepper, or predator urine.
• Trapping: If you have a serious deer problem, you may need to consider trapping and relocating the deer. This should only be done as a last resort, as trapping and relocating deer can be difficult and expensive.

How do I get rid of the deer smell on my cabbage plants?

If deer have been eating your cabbage plants, they may leave behind a strong smell that can be difficult to remove. There are a few things you can do to get rid of the smell, including:

• Wash the cabbage leaves with a mixture of water and vinegar. The vinegar will help to neutralize the smell.
• Soak the cabbage leaves in a solution of water and baking soda. The baking soda will help to absorb the smell.
• Place the cabbage leaves in a sealed bag with a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet will help to absorb the smell.

Can I eat cabbage plants that have been eaten by deer?

It is generally not recommended to eat cabbage plants that have been eaten by deer, as they may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. If you are unsure whether or not a cabbage plant is safe to eat, it is best to err on the side of caution and discard it.

deer will eat cabbage plants if they are hungry enough. However, there are a number of things that you can do to deter deer from eating your cabbage plants, including:

• Planting your cabbage plants in a raised bed or fenced area
• Using deer repellents
• Applying mulch around your plants
• Growing your cabbage plants in containers
• Picking your cabbage plants early in the season

By following these tips, you can help protect your cabbage plants from deer damage and enjoy a bountiful harvest.