There are a lot of myths out there about what deer do and do not eat. One common question is: do deer eat cucumbers?
Deer don’t like cucumbers. Cucumbers are categorized as deer resistant thanks to their thorns. However, deer will eat anything if they’re hungry enough, including parts of cucumber plants.
There’s a bit more to learn about deer eating cucumbers which we’ll cover in today’s guide. Read on for more info.
Do Deer Eat Cucumbers?
As we covered, deer don’t like to eat plants that are thorny or have hairy peels or leaves, so the “bumpy” or thorny exteriors of cucumbers do a good job of keeping deer away.
Deer will eat the leaves and stems from cucumber plants if they’re hungry enough and when they’ve got the chance.
But why do they do this?
Well, for one, deer are browsing animals, meaning they’ll eat almost anything they come across if other food sources are running low.
They love leafy greens that are well-watered and fertilized, which makes cucumber plants a prime target for deer.
Your cucumbers are most susceptible to deer when there are fewer other food choices around for them, and especially when the plants are young and the shoots and leaves are tender.
Additionally, deer will consume a wide variety of foods like cucumbers based on opportunity.
Are Cucumbers Deer Resistant?
Yes, cucumbers are deer resistant.
Deer are usually turned off by plants that have textures like coarse “hairs”, thorns, or prickly leaves, and the fine hairs on the stems and leaves of cucumbers plants do a good job of discouraging deer from having a feast.
That doesn’t mean your cucumbers are totally safe from hungry deer, though.
Your cucumber plants are most susceptible to deer damage when they are young and tender or when other food sources in their area have been depleted.
Do Deer Eat Cucumber Plants?
While deer don’t like the cucumber, they will eat cucumber plants, including the leaves, vines, and stems.
This means you still need to take precautions to keep deer away from cucumber plants in your garden.
How Do I Keep Deer From Eating My Cucumbers?
There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re protecting cucumbers from hungry deer: their habits, your scent, repellent options, and when you plant them.
Deer will eat nearly anything if they’re hungry enough, so your main goal is making your garden as least inviting to deer as possible.
Check out our guide on how to keep deer from eating plants where we cover 25 quick and easy tips for keeping hungry deer out of your garden.
Will My Cucumbers Grow Back After Deer Eat Them?
Cucumbers is an annual, meaning that it’s lifecycle lasts for one season and then must be replanted.
If deer damage your cucumber plants, you’ll need to plant new seeds and start from scratch.
Do Deer Eat Cucumbers? Wrapping Things Up
So, do deer eat cucumbers?
No, deer do not like cucumbers. While the cucumber vegetable is deer resistant, deer will absolutely eat the stems, leaves, and vines of cucumber plants if they’re hungry enough.
Deer are more attracted to young cucumber plants because they’re more tender, and will usually stay away from mature cucumbers.
Fortunately there are many methods you can use and combine to keep deer away from your cucumbers if you need to.
Try a few and see what works best for you.
Have any observations to add to the discussion? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Check our our other helpful wildlife guides while you’re here:
- Do deer eat lettuce?
- Do deer eat cabbage?
- Do deer eat asparagus?
- Do deer eat peas?
- Do deer eat rutabaga?
- Do deer eat pumpkins?
- Do deer eat tomatoes?
- Do deer eat pepper plants?
- Do deer horseradish plants?
- Do deer eat beets?
- Do deer eat green beans?
- Do deer eat sweet potatoes?
- Do deer eat carrots?
- Do deer eat squash?
- Do deer eat jalapeno plants?
- Do deer eat corn?
- Do deer eat radishes?
- Do deer eat zucchini?
- Do deer eat turnips?
- Do deer eat parsnips?
- Do deer eat tomatillo plants?