Will Possums Eat Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a staple in many gardens worldwide due to their versatility in cooking and delicious taste. Although, some gardeners may have a hard time keeping their tomato plants pristine due to the presence of possums in their vicinity. Possums are infamous for their love of eating fresh fruits and vegetables, but will they eat tomato plants? Let's find out!

Possum's Diet

Possums are omnivores, and their diet typically consists of insects, fruits, vegetables, and small animals. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available. Due to their unique digestive system, possums can eat food that other animals cannot. They can digest tough plant materials and even eat rotten or decaying food without getting sick.

Do Possums Eat Tomato Plants?

The answer is yes, possums will eat tomato plants. Although they may primarily eat the ripe tomatoes themselves, they have been known to climb and damage the plant's stems, flowers, and leaves. Possums are also attracted to the sweet scent emitted by the ripening tomatoes, making them a prime target for possums' midnight snacking.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Possums

Gardeners can take several measures to protect their tomato plants from possums. The following are some effective strategies:

Use physical barriers: Fencing is the most effective way to protect tomato plants from possums. Ensure that the fence is tall and sturdy, as possums can climb and crawl through small gaps.

Remove attractants: Possums are attracted to the scent of ripe tomatoes or those that have fallen to the ground, making sure to harvest ripe tomatoes and clean up any fallen fruits promptly.

Use repellents: Several repellents can be used to keep possums away from tomato plants. Some of the pest control products are commercially available, while others can be made using household items such as hot pepper spray, essential oils, and mothballs.

Conclusion

Possums can be a nuisance to gardeners who have tomato plants. These marsupials will eat whatever food is available, including ripe tomatoes and the plant's leaves and stems. To protect tomato plants from possums, gardeners can use physical barriers, remove attractants, and use repellents. By implementing these measures, gardeners can ensure that their tomato plants remain healthy and thrive without being eaten by possums!