A perimeter mesh fence, or single strands of wire, should stand seven to eight feet tall. They are reluctant of jump into enclosed areas, so the smaller the area, the lower the fence needs to be. Deer also tend not to jump into areas that they cannot see, which makes a privacy type fence effective. A well maintained fence of appropriate height can make gardening a deer-free experience. I don't know anyone who likes to spray, but commercial repellents have proven very effective for controlling deer damage when used according to directions.
Spring demands the extra few sprays to protect emerging buds and tender new growth.
A few of the products that have worked quite well over time include Bobbex, Liquid Fence and Deer Off. Occasionally switching products prevents the deer from getting used to any one over time. Installing a temporary and inexpensive poly mesh fence during the winter months is the best way to protect against the more severe feeding pressure caused by diminished food supplies. It doesn't look great, but it has become part of the winter landscape in much of our area. Scented soaps, especially the small hotel size bars hung around planting beds, fabric softener strips, predator urines and any number of home kitchen recipes using garlic, hot peppers, Tabasco etc.