Will Raccoons Eat Tomato Plants?

Many gardeners worry about pesky wildlife ruining their hard work. Raccoons are one of the most common animals that gardeners must protect their plants from. Raccoons are omnivores and are known to eat many different types of plants and animals. Gardeners often wonder if their tomato plants are at risk of being devoured by raccoons. In this article, we will explore the answer to the question, "Will raccoons eat tomato plants?"

What Do Raccoons Eat?

Before we dive into whether or not raccoons will eat tomato plants, we need to understand what they eat. Raccoons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and animals. Their diet includes fruit, insects, nuts, small mammals, and even fish. They are known for their love of sweet foods, which is why they often raid gardens for fruits like raspberries and strawberries.

Do Raccoons Eat Tomato Plants?

So, now that we know what raccoons eat, we can answer the question: will raccoons eat tomato plants? The answer is yes. While raccoons may not prefer tomato plants over other foods, they will certainly eat them if they are hungry enough. Tomato plants are not toxic to raccoons, and their leaves and fruit are quite edible.

How to Protect Your Tomato Plants from Raccoons

Now that we know raccoons will eat tomato plants, it's essential to protect your garden from them. There are a few different ways you can keep raccoons away from your tomato plants.

1. Fence Your Garden

The most effective way to keep raccoons out of your garden is to surround it with a fence. A wire mesh fence that is at least six feet tall should do the trick. Make sure that the fence is buried at least six inches underground to prevent raccoons from digging under it.

2. Use a Motion-Activated Sprinkler

Raccoons are afraid of water, which means that a motion-activated sprinkler can be an effective way to keep them away from your garden. These sprinklers will automatically turn on when they detect motion, spraying the area with water and scaring away any raccoons in the vicinity.

3. Use Repellents

There are a few different repellents that you can use to keep raccoons away from your garden. One option is to use predator urine, such as that of a coyote or fox. You can purchase these repellents online or at a garden center. You can also use essential oils like peppermint or cinnamon, as raccoons don't like the smell.

Conclusion

In conclusion, raccoons will eat tomato plants if they are hungry enough. However, there are things that gardeners can do to protect their plants from these pesky animals. Erecting a fence, using a motion-activated sprinkler, or using repellents can all be effective ways to keep raccoons out of your garden. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest without worrying about raccoons devouring your plants.