15 Deer Resistant Herbs That Will Thrive In Your Garden

Deer resistant herbs are essential if you want beautiful plants that can stand up to curious deer.

From hardy perennials like bee balm and catnip to flavorful additions like chives and thyme, these plants will surely bring you joy without attracting droves of hungry deer.

So if you want to fill your yard with color and fragrance without constant damage from deer, read on for some garden gems that will keep even Bambi far away from your garden. We’ll start with the best options to deter those whippersnappers and save your sanity!

Favorite Deer Resistant Herbs To Fill Your Garden Beds

1. Thyme

Thyme is a tough, deer-resistant herb that offers both culinary and aesthetic benefits for your herb garden. The aromatic leaves can flavor many dishes, and the creeping growth habit forms a low-growing groundcover that deer will largely ignore. The fragrant nature of thyme also helps repel common garden pests like rabbits and snails. Thyme grows best in well-drained, slightly alkaline soil that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Once established, thyme is drought tolerant, and deer-resistant herbs rarely become the target of deer. However, during the first season after planting thyme, you may need to protect yourself from foraging deer as the young plants become established. 

Place netting or fencing around new thyme plants until they can fill in and spread to deter deer better. Water thyme deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overhead irrigation as this promotes fungal issues. Established thyme can go for weeks without water during the hottest summer.

2. Chives

Chives are another great option for deer resistant herbs in your garden. The hollow leaves and tall flower stalks do not appeal to deer as a viable food source. Chives grow best in rich, moist, but well-drained soil amended with compost. 

Full sun and consistent moisture provide the best environment for robust chive plants. During the hottest months, chives appreciate deep watering one to two times per week. 

Mulch around the base of chive plants with straw or shredded leaves to conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Chives may begin to die back during extended periods of drought or extreme heat, but new growth will resume when conditions improve.

Divide chive clumps every three to four years in early spring to revitalize plants and control their spread. Chives grown as perennial herbs are relatively pest-free, though aphids can become a minor issue that can usually be sprayed off with a strong stream of water.

3. Sage

Sage is a good option for deer-resistant herbs because the fuzzy, aromatic leaves are not palatable to deer. The pleasant fragrance also helps repel insects. Sage thrives in hot, dry climates with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. During the growing season, sage requires watering about once every five to seven days, allowing the top two inches of sage soil to dry out between waterings. 

Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal issues. Sage benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a smaller, bushier shape and remove older stem sections. Prune sage back by one-third immediately after the first spring flowers fade. 

Removing these spent flower spikes induces additional branching and denser growth. Aphids are the most common pests that may attack sage plants, though infestations are usually minor and can often be washed away with a forceful stream of water. 

Preventative sprayings of neem oil or insecticidal soap can also help control aphid issues before they become problematic. Spider mites may also threaten sage in hot, dry conditions. Regularly syringing leaves with water can interrupt mite cycles and promote beneficial predatory mites to reduce populations naturally.

4. Lavender

Lavender is an herbaceous perennial prized for its fragrant purple flowers and aromatic foliage. Deer avoid lavender due to its strong smell and taste, making it an excellent choice for deer-resistant herbs. Lavender thrives in hot, sunny locations with alkaline, well-draining soil.

It is drought tolerant once established but prefers regular watering during its first few years after planting. Keep soil moist but not soggy. 

Fertilize lavender plants lightly in early spring to encourage blooming. Prune back stems after flowering to maintain a compact shape and induce additional flowering. Lavender is susceptible to aphids and spider mites, especially in dry conditions. 

Regularly spraying plants with strong water jets can help control these pests, along with neem oil or insecticidal soap applications as needed.

5. Rosemary

Rosemary grows well in hot, sunny, well-drained locations and the pungent nature of its foliage deters deer from browsing. Rosemary thrives with infrequent watering but ensures the soil does not become completely dry. Place the plant in a sunny spot and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.

Its leaves are an essential spice in most culinary recipes and is a key part of many cultural dishes. It is also included in some cosmetic products due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. While Rosemary does like ample moisture, it can tolerate dry spells and high temperatures. However, it should not be exposed to such conditions for too long. 

Fertilize rosemary plants once in spring using an all-purpose fertilizer. Prune back spindly growth after flowering to maintain an attractive shape. Rosemary is prone to infestations by aphids and spider mites, especially in dry conditions. Spraying plants regularly with a strong jet of water or applying neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control these pests. 

6. Oregano

Oregano is an adaptive herb that tolerates both drought and occasional overwatering, making it a good choice for deer resistant herbs. The pungent aroma of oregano leaves also helps repel insects and deter deer browsing. Oregano thrives in full sun with well-draining soils. 

Established plants are drought tolerant but benefit from deep watering every 7 to 10 days during the growing season. Oregano grows best in nutrient-rich, slightly alkaline soil. Incorporate compost into the planting area before planting and apply a layer of organic mulch annually. Prune oregano to shape after spring blooms or when growth becomes too leggy. 

Pests are usually not a major issue for oregano, but aphids and thrips may become established. Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays can help control these soft-bodied insects when needed. Allow plants to reach full size in their first season before dividing clumps in spring every three to four years to reinvigorate growth and control spread. 

Oregano makes an attractive, fragrant ground cover that provides seasoning for the kitchen while repelling deer with a pleasant aroma. Aphids and thrips are some of the common pests that ravage these plants by feeding on its leaves and stems, leaving holes and even possibly infecting the plant. 

Preventative sprayings of neem oil or insecticidal soap can also help control aphid issues before they become problematic. Spider mites may also threaten sage in hot, dry conditions. Regularly syringing leaves with water can interrupt mite cycles and promote beneficial predatory mites to reduce populations naturally.

7. Mint

Mint is a good option for the list of deer-resistant herbs because the pungent aroma and fuzzy leaves deter deer browsing. Mint grows rapidly in rich, consistently moist soil and partial shade. 

Plants spread quickly through underground runners, so proper spacing is important at planting time. Mint tolerates some drought but prefers regular watering, especially during hot summer. Depending on the species, mint flowers range from white to pink to purple and attract beneficial pollinators. 

Pests are usually not a major issue, but aphids and spider mites can become established during dry spells. Neem oil and insecticidal soaps provide effective, organic control when needed. Prune plants in early spring to encourage bushiness and remove older stems that produce fewer leaves.

8. Catnip

Catnip deters deer because of its fuzzy leaves and strong-smelling chemicals that repel browsing animals. Catnip grows easily in most soil conditions but prefers moist, rich soil with full sun exposure. Plants spread rapidly through rhizomes and self-seeding, ensuring a continuous catnip supply. 

Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms and trim plants back after the first flush of spring growth to maintain a compact shape. Catnip is generally pest-free plant, but aphids and spider mites can become established during hot, dry spells.

Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays provide effective organic control when needed. Catnip also attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hover flies that help control aphids and other soft-bodied garden pests.

9. Geraniums

Geraniums are an excellent choice for deer-resistant herbs due to their bitter taste and scented leaves that deter deer browsing. Geraniums thrive in full sunlight and well-draining soil. They are drought tolerant once established but require regular watering during their first year of growth after planting.

Amending the soil with compost before planting helps boost growth. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage reblooming. Prune back geraniums in early spring after all risk of frost has passed to maintain a compact shape. 

Fertilize geraniums once in early spring with a balanced, time-release plant food. Spider mites can become a problem during hot, dry spells. Regularly spraying plants with a forceful jet of water helps dislodge mites, eggs, and webbing. 

Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays may also be needed for severe infestations. Ensure good air circulation around geranium plants to reduce mite issues and avoid overcrowding. With intermediate care, geraniums will reward you with bee-attracting blooms all season long while repelling deer.

10. Yarrow

Yarrow makes an excellent groundcover option for deer-resistant herbs. The pungent-smelling foliage and ferny leaves deter deer browsing. Yarrow thrives in hot, dry conditions with full sun exposure and well-draining soils. Provide infrequent watering, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Cut the yarrow back after flowering to encourage rebloom and trim foliage periodically to maintain a compact shape. 

It spreads quickly through rhizomes and self-seeding, so minimize spread by pruning roots and deadheading spent flowers. Spider mites and aphids may become problematic during dry spells. 

Spraying plants with strong water jets helps disrupt mite and insect cycles, while neem oil or insecticidal soaps provide organic, therapeutic control when needed. With minimal care, yarrow adds delicately textured, airy foliage and flowers that bloom abundantly while keeping deer away.

11. Leeks

Leeks make for an effective choice in deer-resistant vegetables since deer tend to avoid their strong flavor and fibrous texture. Leeks prefer rich, moist soil and full sun exposure. Plant leek seeds one to two inches deep and space them three to four inches apart. 

Keep soil consistently moist while seedlings emerge and develop. Once leeks reach four to six inches tall, mound soil around the bases to produce thick, white shanks. Continue watering and fertilizing regularly throughout the growing season. Harvest leeks when shanks are at least one inch thick.

The leek moth larvae and onion maggots are two common leek pests. Leek moth larvae bore into leaf bases and tunnels, while grubs feed within the shanks. Inspect plants regularly for signs of damage like wilted leaves. Remove caterpillars and larvae by hand when possible. 

Floating row covers can help exclude leek moth adults from laying eggs. Neem oil sprays may offer some control of leek moth caterpillars, though biological controls like BT and parasitic nematodes work best. With proper care and harvesting at mature sizes, leeks can offer your kitchen a mild-flavored alternative to onions that deer are unlikely to disturb.

12. Onions

Onions are an effective choice for deer resistant vegetables due to their pungent aroma and strong flavor that deer tend to avoid. Onions prefer fertile, well-drained soil and at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Space onion plants four to six inches apart and keep soil consistently moist while seedlings emerge and develop. Fertilize regularly throughout the growing season using a balanced, soluble formula. 

Harvest onions when foliage starts to yellow and fall over. Onion maggots and thrips are two common pests that may attack onion plants. Inspect regularly for maggots tunneling within bulbs and damage from thrips feeding. 

Neem oil or spinosad spray treatments provide some control of thrips populations. Remove maggots and damaged bulbs by hand when issues arise. With diligent care, onions can reward you with full-flavored additions to your dishes all while repelling unwanted deer.

13. Garlic

Garlic is an adaptive choice for the list of deer resistant vegetables because deer typically avoid its pungent flavor and aroma. Garlic grows best in loose, fertile soil with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Plant individual cloves in fall about two inches deep and four inches apart. Mulch around developing plants to preserve soil moisture and suppress weeds. Once bulbs begin to form in spring, reduce watering to allow skins to harden. 

Harvest garlic when about one-third of leaves turn brown, usually in early summer. Thrips and leafminers are the primary pests that may damage garlic plants. Inspect leaves regularly for signs of their feeding and damage. 

Neem oil sprays provide some control of thrips feeding while beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs help keep thrip populations in check naturally. With proper site selection, amending soil before planting, and ongoing care, garlic can produce pungent bulbs that stave off deer while also seasoning your dishes.

14. Bee Balm

Bee balm is an effective choice for the list of deer-resistant herbs for a few reasons. The fuzzy leaves and aromatic chemicals deter deer from browsing. Bee balm attracts pollinators with its showy tubular flowers, helping to populate the garden with beneficial insects that control pests. 

Bee balm thrives in rich, consistently moist soil and partial shade. It can tolerate full sun in cooler climates but prefers morning sun with afternoon shade in hot summer months. Bee balm appreciates regular watering, especially during bloom time. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms throughout the growing season. 

Prune back stems immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape. Spider mites can become established during hot, dry spells. Regularly spraying plants with a forceful water jet helps disrupt mite life cycles. 

Neem oil or insecticidal soap applications may also be needed for heavy infestations. Bee balm self-seeds readily, ensuring a constant supply for your garden. The vibrant blooms attract pollinators to help control pests, while the fuzzy foliage keeps deer at bay.

Place netting or fencing around new Bee balm plants until they can fill in and spread to deter deer better. Water it deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings and avoid overhead irrigation, which promotes fungal issues. Established Bee balm can go for weeks without water during the hottest summer days.

15. Russian Sage

Russian sage makes an excellent choice for a deer resistant herb due to its drought tolerance and resistance to browsing animals and attractive foliage. Russian sage thrives in hot, dry conditions with full sun exposure and well-draining soil. 

During the growing season, Russian water sages only once every 7 to 10 days, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize plants lightly in early spring. Prune stems back in late fall or early spring to maintain a compact shape and induce additional blooming. 

While generally pest-free, Russian sage may experience spider mites and aphids infestations, especially during hot, dry spells. Regularly spraying plants with a forceful jet of water helps disrupt their cycles. Neem oil or insecticidal soap applications also provide organic control for severe infestations. Overall, Russian sage offers an adaptive, elegant choice for adding delicate texture and aromatic chemicals that repel deer from your landscape.

Overall, your garden should bring you joy and satisfaction, and by incorporating plants that deer will largely leave alone, you can spend more time appreciating the beauty before you and less time protecting from unwelcome nibbling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, incorporating deer-resistant plants into your garden allows you to enjoy beauty and function without the frustration of damage from curious deer.

• Bee balm provides foliage, flowers, and flavor while deterring deer with essential oils and fuzzy leaves.

• Thyme fill spaces between plants with delicate textures that deter deer.

• Leeks add flavor to your meals while avoiding the appetites of hungry deer.

With a little patience and effort, you can populate your garden with a palette of plants that satisfy your desires for color, fragrance, and function while keeping deer at bay. Start small and build your collection over time, enjoying the flower power and herbaceous harmony that deer-resistant plants can bring to your outdoor space!