What animal will eat tomato plants?

Tomato plants are a popular crop all around the world. They’re filled with vitamins and nutrients, and they’re used in a variety of different culinary dishes. However, tomato plants can be vulnerable to a host of different pests and insects that can damage or even destroy the crop. One of the most common pests that gardeners and farmers have to deal with are animals that eat tomato plants. So, what animals should you be aware of when you’re growing your own tomato plants?

Rabbits

Rabbits are notorious for their love of fresh, juicy greenery. While they might be cute and fluffy, they can cause quite a bit of damage to tomato plants. They particularly like young seedlings, which are more tender and easier to eat. If you’re dealing with rabbit damage, you may notice jagged cuts or nibbling injuries on the leaves and stems of your plants. To protect your plants, consider using a rabbit fence or mesh to enclose your garden.

Deer

In areas where deer are common, tomato plants can be particularly vulnerable. Deer are big animals that can eat large quantities of plants in a single sitting. They particularly like the leaves of tomato plants, which can result in stripped, gnawed leaves and stems. While it’s difficult to keep deer away from tomato plants, you can try using protective fencing or repellents to keep them at bay. Additionally, planting a variety of plants near your tomato plants can help distract deer and reduce the damage they do.

Squirrels

Squirrels are small rodents that can be found in many different areas around the world. While they might be cute and furry, they can also be quite destructive to tomato plants. Squirrels love to dig in the soil around plants, uprooting and damaging plants in the process. They’re also known for eating ripe tomatoes right off the plant, leaving little behind for humans to harvest. To protect your tomato plants, try using a squirrel-proof cage or covering your plants with netting.

Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can wreak havoc on tomato plants. They’re typically active at night and prefer to feed on tender, new growth. If you’re dealing with slug or snail damage on your tomato plants, you may notice slimy trails and holes in the leaves and stems. To keep these pests away, try using copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the base of your tomato plants. Additionally, you can try placing a shallow dish of beer near your plants to attract and drown slugs and snails.

Conclusion

Animal damage can be frustrating for gardeners and farmers, but it’s a common problem when growing tomatoes. By understanding which animals are most likely to eat your tomato plants, you can take the necessary preventative measures to protect your crop. Whether you’re dealing with rabbits, deer, squirrels, or slugs and snails, there are a variety of techniques you can employ to keep your plants safe and healthy.