Virginia Tech® home

From the Ground Up: Keep Deer Out of Your Garden with a Simple Electric Fence

ID

SPES-770-9NP

Authors as Published

Presented by Edward Olsen, Extension Specialist, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Tech; Ashley Appling, Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources;

This publication is available in a video file format only. 

Tired of deer eating your garden? In this episode of From the Ground Up, Virginia Cooperative Extension agent Ashley Appling demonstrates an effective electric deer fence that helps protect vegetables and flowers without the expense of a traditional 10-foot fence. Learn how a simple three-wire system works, what materials you'll need, and why deer behavior makes this design so effective. From fence posts and wire placement to installation tips and maintenance, this segment offers practical advice for gardeners looking to reduce deer damage and enjoy more of their harvest.


Virginia Cooperative Extension materials are available for public use, reprint, or citation without further permission, provided the use includes credit to the author and to Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, and Virginia State University.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility. 

Publication Date

September 29, 2026