Introduction

In the world of gardening, there are some plants that seem to be a magnet for animals. One of those plants is the tomato plant. Whether you're growing tomatoes for your own consumption or to sell at a market, it's important to be aware of the animals that like to feed on them. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what animals like tomato plants and how you can keep them away.

Squirrels

Squirrels are notorious for their love of tomatoes. They will climb onto the plants and start nibbling away at the fruit, leaving behind half-eaten tomatoes. They are particularly fond of ripe tomatoes and will sometimes take one bite out of a tomato and then move onto the next one. To keep squirrels away from your tomato plants, you can try putting up a fence or using squirrel repellent.

Raccoons

Raccoons are another notorious tomato thief. These nocturnal creatures will come out at night and start feasting on your plants. They particularly like green tomatoes, so if you notice that your unripe tomatoes are disappearing, it's likely that you have raccoons in your garden. To keep raccoons away, you can try using lights or motion sensors to scare them off. You can also try placing a radio near your plants to keep them away.

Deer

Deer are known to eat just about anything in their path, and tomato plants are no exception. They will happily munch on the leaves and fruit of your plants, leaving little behind. To keep deer away from your garden, you can try spraying deer repellent around the perimeter of your property. You can also try planting other types of flowers and plants that deer don't particularly like.

Birds

Birds are another animal that likes to eat tomatoes. They will peck away at the fruit, leaving behind holes or half-eaten tomatoes. To keep birds away from your garden, you can try placing bird netting over your plants. You can also try using scarecrows or other deterrents to keep birds away.

Insects

While not technically an animal, insects are also a threat to tomato plants. Some insects, like aphids and whiteflies, love to feed on tomato plants. They will suck the sap from the leaves and stems, which can cause the plant to wilt and die. To keep insects away, you can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also try introducing beneficial insects, like ladybugs, to your garden to help control the pest population.

Conclusion

There are many animals that like to feed on tomato plants, from squirrels and raccoons to deer and birds. By taking the right precautions, you can keep your plants safe and healthy. Whether you choose to put up a fence, use repellent, or plant other types of flowers and plants, it's important to be aware of the animals that may be lurking in your garden.