How to Deter Deer from Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are often a target for deer, and if you've been excited to grow your own tomatoes only to find them devoured by these animals, you're not alone. Deer can cause a lot of damage to your precious plants, but there are several ways to keep them at bay.

Install Fencing

The most effective way to keep deer from reaching your tomato plants is to surround them with a fence. A 6-8 foot high fence is usually enough to keep deer out as they prefer to jump or crawl under fences that are shorter than six feet. Keep in mind that deer can easily jump over shorter fences if they are determined enough.

Use Deer-Resistant Plants

If you're in an area where deer are common, planting deer-resistant plants around your tomatoes can be an effective deterrent. Plants such as lavender, rosemary, and marigolds are known to repel deer. By planting these plants around your tomato plants, you can make your garden area less attractive to deer.

Try Scare Tactics

Scare tactics can be effective at keeping deer away from your tomato plants. Things like motion-activated sprinklers, noisemakers, and floats can be installed in your garden area to deter deer. You can also try hanging shiny objects like tin cans or CDs in your garden to scare them off.

Use a Repellent Spray

A homemade or store-bought deer repellent spray can also be an effective solution. These sprays usually contain ingredients like garlic, pepper, and egg solids that make the plants less appealing to deer. You can make your own spray by mixing together one tablespoon of dish soap, two tablespoons of hot sauce, and a gallon of water, then spraying it onto your tomato plants.

Harvest Tomatoes Early

If you're still struggling to keep deer away from your tomato plants, harvesting your tomatoes early may be the best solution. Deer are more likely to eat tomatoes that are perfectly ripe, so picking them a little early can help you avoid losing your harvest to these animals.

Conclusion

Dealing with deer can be frustrating for gardeners, but there are several ways to protect your tomato plants. By installing fencing, planting deer-resistant plants, using scare tactics, using repellent spray, and harvesting early, you can keep these animals away from your precious produce.