Actually saw a doe eating the plants at 630 this morning. Beautiful animal I don't want to hurt just want to stop her salad diet!

HI Pauline,

Thank you for reaching out to us at the UNH Extension Infoline. I am happy to hear that you saw the beautiful doe a few days ago!

Unfortunately Hosta plants are one of the most favored plants by deer! I completely can relate here with my Hosta! You can try to use a product that is labeled specifically as a deer repellent (many smell bad to them or have an adverse taste!) or even netting the plants, but it is really a tricky battle to win! The only true way to completely eradicate their damage is by fencing in your garden so they cannot get in. 

Here are a few resources that explain in depth with management methods you can try:
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2019/04/deer-damaged-number-plants-my-garden-over-winter-what-can-i-do-prevent-happening-again
https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2018/12/keep-deer-out-your-garden-winter
https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/white-tailed-deer-damage#diet-1880360
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/hungry_deer_are_devouring_hostas_and_more

I hope that this information helps. Good luck and have a wonderful weekend!

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Thank you for all the information, I really appreciate your reply