Gardening in Canada: Protect your garden from deer, bears, and wildlife

Gardening takes a certain amount of work and discipline—but if you look at it like a lifestyle choice instead of work, it becomes a lot more fun. It’s also a great form of outdoor exercise, and it’s certainly rewarding to reap the bounty of a plentiful harvest, whether it be vegetables or flowers. Vegetable gardening is a great way to ensure that you are eating high-quality produce.

Gardening in Canada comes with some challenges, such as wildlife interference. It's not just humans that think lush leafy greens and beautiful fruit are delicious. Deer, bears, moose and other critters are always looking for new food sources and won't discriminate against your garden.

It's crucial to build the right infrastructure to keep these animals from chowing down on your crops—the first step is learning the wildlife around you.

Understanding the wildlife in your area

The types of critters around you depend on what region of Canada you live in. Forested areas will have deer, bears, skunks, raccoons, rabbits, and other small ground creatures. The prairies will have lots of rodents and other ground animals. Northern territories see moose more often. Almost all areas have birds that like to go after strawberries and other brightly-coloured fruits.

Urban regions have a higher concentration of raccoons and rats. Some smaller cities like Victoria, B.C. have deer roaming the streets at all times. Each type of region in Canada will offer its own unique population of wild animals—its best to become familiar with what lives around you.

Spend some time researching as well as observing the wildlife in your yard and surrounding areas. Certain animals may have a preference for certain plants, etc. Track animal behaviour in a garden notebook and watch what they do according to each season.

Fencing solutions for keeping wildlife out

Deer

Deer are probably the most prevalent creature to visit the garden uninvited. They can jump impressively high, but it's rare that a deer can clear an 8-foot fence. Your best bet is to get 10-foot fence posts and bury them 2-feet deep.

Some gardeners like to string a line at the top of the fence and hang bright-coloured ribbon from the line. The movement of the ribbon in the breeze scares the deer and keeps them away.

Others opt for an electric fence, which is more costly but works for other larger animals as well.

Bears

If you have an abundance of fruit trees or berry bushes, you may want to consider investing in an electric fence, or sturdy metal barriers. Also, it is extremely important that your compost piles are secure, with locks on the lids and/or metal barriers.

One way to deter bears is by soaking a rag in ammonia and leaving the rag in a plastic bucket near your compost pile. The smell of the ammonia will repel the bear’s sensitive nose and they will keep their distance. Make sure to replace the rag every 2-3 weeks.

Smaller creatures

To prevent small critters such as rabbits, raccoons, gophers, etc from entering your garden, bury the bottom of your fencing at least a foot underground.

Line the bottom 2 feet of your fence with a fine mesh or chicken wire.

Birds

Place netting or mesh overtop of crops that may temp a bird, such as strawberries and other berries.

Natural deterrents and repellents

You can plant certain species of plants the critters find unappealing.

Deer and other animals dislike certain strong-smelling plants such as:

• Lavender

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Thyme

• Lemon Balm

• Mint

• Chives

• Dill

• Horseradish

• Lemon Balm

• Tarragon

These plants are visually attractive and you can incorporate them throughout your ornamental and vegetable gardens.

There are different mixtures to spray on your plants to repel insects and critters.

These include:

• Garlic spray

• Neem

• Diluted castile soap

• Predator urine

Noise and motion will scare off most visitors. Consider placing wind chimes, motion-activated sprinklers or lights, and ribbon in your garden.

For slugs and snails, you can place containers of beer throughout your garden. The best way to do this is to bury the container, so the top is flush with ground level. Slugs and snails will smell the beer and fall in.

If you are planning to grow fruit trees such as apples, pears or plums, place them away from your garden to avoid attracting animals such as bears, deer and elk.

Designing your garden and layout

There are a few things to consider when designing your garden for optimal protection against animal visitors:

• Raised garden beds and containers help deter small animals, slugs and snails.

• Physical barriers can be placed around certain crops to deter smaller animals.

• Companion planting: specific plant pairings can help to repel animals. Marigolds are a popular companion plant to deter common pests.

• Specific types of mulch will discourage animals from digging and burrowing.

• Secure all compost and food waste.

The importance of a balanced approach to backyard wildlife mitigation

Remember, these animals and insects were here long before humans and your property is their original territory. Sharing Canada’s beautiful lands with these creatures is a privilege and wildlife mitigation must be approached humanely and respectfully.

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to have an animal removed from your property, contact a licensed humane wildlife control company or reach out to your local animal services. Provincial wildlife authorities or rehabilitation centres can also provide help or refer you to the right solution. It's important to comply with local regulations, as some species are protected.

Safe and ethical wildlife removal reduces unnecessary stress on animals, prevents injury and supports biodiversity by allowing them to thrive in their natural habitats. Animals also play a key role in pest control and pollination, and we need them around more than we think! Peaceful coexistence and a respectful approach to nature is imperative.