Introduction

Tomato plants are grown extensively all around the world for their delicious and nutritious fruits. They require a lot of care and attention to grow healthy and produce a good yield. But pests and critters can be a significant problem for tomato plants. In this article, we will discuss various animals and insects that can eat tomato plants and how to protect your garden from them.

Animals that eat tomato plants

Some common animals that eat tomato plants are rabbits, squirrels, deer, and groundhogs. These animals can quickly destroy your tomato plants, leading to a significantly reduced yield. Rabbits are known to nibble on the tender leaves and stems of tomato plants, while squirrels and deer munch on the ripe fruits. Groundhogs or woodchucks are also notorious for eating tomato plants as they are attracted to the fruits' sweet taste.

Insects that eat tomato plants

Several insects can eat tomato plants, such as aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and tomato fruitworms. Aphids are tiny green or black insects that feed on the sap of the tomato plant, making the leaves curl and turn yellow. Spider mites are tiny red insects that suck the plant's juices, causing it to turn brown and die. Whiteflies are tiny white insects that suck the sap from the leaves and transmit viruses to the plant. Tomato fruitworms are caterpillars that bore into the tomato fruits, causing them to rot and fall off the plant.

Protecting tomato plants from animals and insects

There are several ways to protect your tomato plants from animals and insects. One of the most effective ways is to use physical barriers. You can use chicken wire to create a fence around your tomato plants to keep rabbits and groundhogs out. You can place netting over the tomato plants to keep squirrels and birds from eating the ripe fruits. To protect against insects, you can use row covers or plant onions, garlic, and marigolds around the tomato plants to repel them.

Natural predators of critters that eat tomato plants

Another way to protect your tomato plants is to introduce natural predators of the critters that eat them. For example, ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids, while praying mantises and spiders are natural predators of spider mites. Birds, such as blue jays and cardinals, are known to eat caterpillars and other insects that eat tomato plants. You can attract these natural predators to your garden by planting flowers that provide nectar or placing bird feeders around your garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tomato plants can fall prey to several critters, such as animals and insects, that can significantly impact their growth and yield. It is essential to take preventive measures such as using physical barriers and natural predators to protect your tomato plants. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy a healthy and successful tomato harvest.