What Can I Plant That Deer Or Rabbits Won’t Touch. I’m In Zone 7 On Long Island With Sandy Soil And A Lot Of Sun.

Question

Thank you. I’d like to make a flower bed in front of a wooden fence where there is sunlight through the day and sandy and poor soil.

Answer 1

Sandy soil will need amending for your flower beds or the water will run right through it. You can work in some compost or well-rotted manure to help retain water and add nutrients.

Here are lists of plants that deer and rabbits generally won't bother. But all the lists say that deer will eat pretty much anything if hungry enough. I noticed iris in the rabbit list, but they will nibble irises when food is scarce. So, it may come down to what is available.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-resistant-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/plants-rabbits-dont-like.htm

https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/default/files/2024-08/az1237.pdf

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/oh_deer_oh_dear