Electric fence is my go to solution for deer and racoon in the garden. I just put one wire around the garden about 3' high as soon as things start growing. I bait it with strips of aluminum foil with gobs of peanut butter. Deer love peanut butter it gets them fence trained quick. When the corn gets about ripe I put a low wire for the racoons and skunks. Floating row covers are also great for early season protection from frost, insects, and animals.I envy you folks who can plant an outdoor garden. The deer here pretty much prohibit that. We're restricted to what we can plant in pots on the deck. But that has it's bright side too - means less shovel work for me. We're just coming into spring - the lawn is just coming out of dormancy and the daffodils are starting to bud. The iris leaves are growing longer now too.