Introduction

Tomato plants are a popular choice among gardeners and vegetable enthusiasts. They are easy to grow and produce delicious, juicy fruits that are perfect for a range of culinary applications. However, tomato plants can be vulnerable to a range of pest and wildlife infestations, which can hamper their growth and compromise the quality of their fruits. In this article, we will explore the different types of wildlife that can eat tomato plants and offer tips on how to protect your plants and fruits from such intrusions.

What Wildlife Eats Tomato Plants?

There are several types of wildlife that are known to eat tomato plants. These include:

Deer

Deer are a common pest that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. Deer can eat the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant, leaving behind unsightly and damaged plants that struggle to thrive. To prevent deer from eating your tomato plants, you can install a tall fence around your garden or use deer repellent products that are available at most garden and home improvement stores.

Rabbits

Rabbits are another common pest that can eat tomato plants. They tend to nibble at the leaves and stems of the plant, which can slow down its growth and yield. To protect your tomato plants from rabbits, you can surround them with a wire mesh or use rabbit repellent products that are specifically designed for tomato plants.

Groundhogs

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are another wildlife pest that can eat tomato plants. They typically eat the leaves and fruits of the plant, which can lead to stunted growth and low yield. To keep groundhogs away from your tomato plants, you can install a fence around your garden or use groundhog repellent products that are available at most garden centers.

Squirrels

Squirrels are known to eat a range of plants, including tomatoes. They tend to nibble at the fruits of the plant, which can cause significant damage and compromise the quality of the fruit. To prevent squirrels from eating your tomato plants, you can hang bird feeders or squirrel baffles in the vicinity of the plants to distract them from the tomato fruits.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Wildlife?

There are several ways to protect your tomato plants from wildlife infestations. These include:

Use Repellents

One of the most common ways to protect tomato plants from wildlife is by using repellents. These can be in the form of sprays, granules, or ultrasonic devices that emit high-pitched sounds to deter pests from the plants. Make sure you choose a repellent that is specific to the type of wildlife that is causing damage to your tomato plants.

Install Fences or Netting

Another effective way to protect tomato plants from wildlife is by installing physical barriers around your garden. This can be in the form of a tall fence or netting that can keep pests away from your plants. Make sure the fence or netting is securely installed to prevent wildlife from squeezing through gaps or holes.

Remove Attractive Features

Wildlife pests are often attracted to gardens that have features that entice them. For instance, if your garden has a pond or bird feeder, you may be inadvertently attracting wildlife to your garden. To prevent this, you may want to remove or relocate such features to reduce the wildlife population in your garden.

Conclusion

Tomato plants are a valuable addition to any garden. However, they can be vulnerable to a range of wildlife pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and compromise the quality of the fruits. By understanding the types of wildlife that eat tomato plants and taking appropriate measures to protect them, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, home-grown tomatoes.