Will a Groundhog Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs are known for their love of vegetables, particularly the ones found in a home garden. Tomato plants are a common favorite of many groundhogs, and their presence can often lead to significant damage to your garden. In this article, we will explore the feeding habits of groundhogs and answer the question, "will a groundhog eat tomato plants?"

The Diet of Groundhogs

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are herbivorous rodents that primarily feed on plant material. Their diet consists of a variety of greens, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. They are known to consume flowers, clovers, beans, peas, and even corn. Groundhogs typically feed during the early morning and early evening hours and spend much of the day in their dens.

Groundhogs and Tomato Plants

While groundhogs will eat a variety of vegetables, tomato plants appear to be a particular favorite. They are known to nibble on the leaves and stems of tomato plants, and they will often dig up the roots in search of the nutritious bulbs. As tomato plants grow taller, groundhogs may climb them to reach the ripe fruit at the top. When groundhogs feed on your tomato plants, you may notice large holes in the leaves, broken stems, and partially-eaten fruit.

Protecting Tomato Plants from Groundhogs

If you are a home gardener who wants to avoid harm to your tomato plants, there are several steps you can take to protect them from groundhogs. First, you can build a fence around your garden to prevent groundhogs from accessing it. The fence should be at least 4 feet high and dug at least 6 inches deep into the ground to prevent digging. Additionally, you can use repellents such as mothballs or predator urine to deter groundhogs from entering your garden.

Another option for protecting your tomato plants is to use physical barriers such as chicken wire or netting. These can be placed over the plants to prevent groundhogs from reaching them. You can also try planting repellent plants, such as garlic or marigolds, near your tomato plants to discourage groundhogs from approaching.

Conclusion

In conclusion, groundhogs are herbivorous rodents that can cause significant damage to tomato plants. They are known to climb, nibble, and dig up the roots of these plants in search of food. As a home gardener, it is important to take steps to protect your tomato plants from these pesky animals. By building a fence, using repellents, and physical barriers or planting repellent plants, you can successfully discourage groundhogs from entering and damaging your garden.