Do deer eat turnip plants?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Do deer consume turnip plants? Yes, deer enjoy eating tender turnip greens but do not consume the bitter roots. In my rural garden, the deer ate greens overnight but left the roots behind. The palatability of plants for deer depends on both the availability of other food sources and the degree of bitterness of the plant. The best methods for protecting crops include using physical barriers or growing a very strong-smelling plant in the same general area.
Deer Feeding Habits
- Greens: Preferred over roots due to soft texture and moisture
- Timing: Feed at dawn/dusk; check for tracks or nibbled leaves
- Seasonal Risk: Higher in fall/winter when natural forage dwindles
Deterrent Methods
- Fencing: Use 8-foot-tall mesh or electric fencing
- Repellents: Apply commercial sprays or homemade garlic-chili mixes
- Companion Plants: Grow garlic, onions, or mint nearby to mask scents
In habitats where deer traffic is severe, raised beds decrease accessibility for deer. I partner turnips with marigolds to confuse deer with their aromatic scent. I additionally find motion-activated sprinklers helpful in surprising grazers (with sound and spray) without any harm to the deer. For small plots of greens, I use floating row covers, which keep the crops from the deer while allowing light and rain in.
Observe your plants for bite marks or signs of trampled soil. Change up your deterrents every season, as animal behavior can change based on a simple, static solution. As I have also learned, the sooner you harvest the greens, the less you attract the animal. In my experience, I used companion planting, like interplanting with nasturtiums, which helped divert the deer to less valuable crops and saved the turnip roots from being eaten until harvest time.
Read the full article: How to Grow Turnips: A Step-by-Step Planting Guide
