Deer can be a major challenge for gardeners, especially in areas where they frequently graze on vegetables, flowers, and shrubs. While fencing and deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers can help, many gardeners turn to dry blood meal as a natural way to keep deer away while also enriching their soil.
This post will explore how blood meal works to keep deer away, its soil amendment benefits, and the best ways to apply it for both purposes.
Why Use Blood Meal to Repel Deer?
Blood meal is a nitrogen-rich organic soil amendment made from dried animal blood, often sourced from cattle or pigs. It has a strong scent that deer associate with predators, making it an effective, natural repellent.
Key Reasons Blood Meal Repels Deer:
🦌 Deer dislike the smell – The odor signals danger, keeping them away.
🌱 Completely natural and non-toxic – Safe for plants, pets, and humans if used correctly.
💨 Long-lasting effect – The scent lingers, especially in dry conditions.
🔄 Dual-purpose use – It repels deer while amending the soil for plants.
How to Use Blood Meal to Deter Deer
1. Direct Application Around Plants
Sprinkle a light layer of blood meal around plants that deer commonly target.
Apply near the base of plants, along garden borders, and around trees.
Reapply every 2–3 weeks, especially after heavy rain.
2. Mixing Blood Meal with Water (Spray Method)
Dissolve 1 cup of blood meal in 1 gallon of water.
Let the mixture sit for 12–24 hours to intensify the smell.
Strain the mixture to take out blood meal that is still a solid.
Use a spray bottle or watering can to apply around plants and soil.
Reapply after rain to maintain effectiveness.
3. Using Blood Meal in Homemade Deer Repellent Sprays
Mix blood meal with other natural deterrents like:
Garlic & Onion Juice – Enhances the odor to repel deer.
Eggs & Milk – Creates a scent that deer avoid.
Hot Peppers – Adds a spicy element that deters nibbling.
Blend these ingredients with water and a few drops of dish soap, then spray it on plants for extra protection.
Best Plants to Protect with Blood Meal
Blood meal works best for plants that deer commonly eat, including:
🌿 Vegetables – Lettuce, beans, peas, kale, and spinach.
🌸 Flowers – Tulips, roses, sunflowers, and lilies.
🌳 Shrubs & Trees – Arborvitae, hostas, and fruit trees.
For extra protection, plant deer-resistant species like lavender, marigolds, and rosemary around more vulnerable plants.
Additional Benefits: Blood Meal as a Soil Amendment
Besides repelling deer, blood meal is an excellent high-nitrogen soil amendment that:
✅ Promotes lush green growth – Ideal for leafy plants and lawns.
✅ Improves soil structure – Helps maintain a rich, fertile growing environment.
✅ Supports composting – Speeds up the decomposition of organic matter.
Best Plants to Fertilize with Blood Meal:
Leafy Greens – Lettuce, spinach, kale.
Heavy Nitrogen Feeders – Corn, tomatoes, broccoli.
Lawns & Shrubs – Encourages deep green growth.
⚠ Tip: Avoid overapplying—too much nitrogen can burn plants or cause excessive leafy growth with fewer fruits or flowers.
Limitations & Considerations
🚫 Rain can wash away blood meal – Reapply after heavy downpours.
🐶 Pets may be attracted to the smell – Keep an eye on dogs that might dig in treated areas. Blood Meal can cause stomach issues and pancreas problems if too much is ingested by cats or dogs.
♻ Not a long-term deer solution – Best used in combination with fencing or other deterrents.
Final Thoughts
Blood meal is a simple, natural solution to keep deer out of your garden while also providing plants with valuable nutrients. By applying it strategically and reapplying as needed, you can create an effective deterrent while improving soil fertility.
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