Will Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs are known to be herbivores, primarily feeding on vegetables and fruits. Therefore, gardeners and farmers often wonder if groundhogs will eat tomato plants. Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Groundhogs are attracted to tomatoes for their sweet and juicy fruits, making them one of their favorite foods in the garden.

Why Do Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs are attracted to tomato plants due to their high sugar content. Tomatoes are also rich in nutrients, like vitamin C and lycopene, making them appealing to groundhogs. The ripening tomato fruits emit a sweet aroma that attracts groundhogs from a distance. Therefore, gardeners or farmers growing tomato plants should know that groundhogs can cause severe damage to their crops.

How Do Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs are voracious eaters and can cause significant damage to tomato plants in no time. They typically feed on the ripening fruit, but can also eat the stems, foliage, and leaves. Groundhogs are known to dig beneath the tomato plants and uproot them, leaving the garden or farm devastated. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to prevent groundhogs from eating your tomato plants.

Preventing Groundhogs from Eating Tomato Plants

There are several ways to prevent groundhogs from eating tomato plants. One method is to install a fence around the garden or farm. The fence should be at least three to four feet high and extend at least one foot underground to deter groundhogs from burrowing under. Another method is to use repellents, like mothballs, predator urine, or garlic, to deter groundhogs from feeding on tomato plants. However, these methods should be used cautiously and not affect the tomato fruit's taste or safety for consumption.

Another preventive measure is to use a live trap to catch and relocate groundhogs away from the garden or farm. Place the live trap close to the garden or farm, bait it with fruits or vegetables, and wait for the groundhog to enter. Once caught, relocate the groundhog at least five miles away from the garden or farm, where it cannot cause damage to crops.

Conclusion

Groundhogs are herbivorous and will eat tomato plants due to their sweet and juicy fruits. They can cause significant damage to tomato plants by feeding on the fruit, foliage, and stems. Therefore, gardeners and farmers should take measures to prevent groundhogs from eating their tomato plants, like installing fences, using repellents, or live traps. Taking preventive measures will ensure that your tomato plants remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.