Do Deer Eat Corn and Tomato Plants in the Garden?

Deer are some of the most common wildlife that can be found in many residential areas across the United States. While these gentle creatures can be a sight to behold, they can also be quite a nuisance for gardeners. If you have a garden with corn and tomato plants, you may wonder if deer will be attracted to them. This article will provide you with information on whether deer eat corn and tomato plants in the garden.

Do Deer Eat Corn Plants?

Corn is a favorite food for many wildlife species, including deer. The sweet aroma of ripening corn attracts deer from miles away, making it a common target for these animals. Deer can cause significant damage to corn plants by eating the leaves, tassels, and ears of the crop. If deer frequent your area, it is essential to protect your corn plants to ensure a bountiful harvest.

One of the best ways to protect corn plants from deer is to use physical barriers. You can use fences, netting, or electric tape to create a barrier that deer cannot penetrate. If you don't want to use physical barriers, you can try using scents that will deter deer. For example, you can try sprinkling hair from humans or pets around your corn plants, or you can use commercially available deer repellents that use scents such as garlic or rotten eggs.

Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?

Tomatoes are a favorite food for many animals, including deer. Although deer prefer the leaves and stems, they can also damage the fruit if they are hungry enough. If you have tomato plants in your garden, you may notice deer tracks around them or see signs of deer browsing. If you find that deer are eating your tomato plants, there are several steps you can take to protect them.

One way to protect your tomato plants from deer is to use physical barriers. You can use a fence or electric tape to create a barrier around your garden. Another way is to plant companion plants that deer do not like. Some good companion plants for tomato plants include herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. These plants have strong scents that deter deer from approaching your tomato plants.

Conclusion:

Deer can cause significant damage to corn and tomato plants. Therefore, if you have a garden with these plants, it is essential to take steps to protect them. Using physical barriers, planting companion plants, or using scents that deter deer are all effective ways to protect your garden from these animals. With these methods, you can ensure that your garden remains a bountiful source of fresh produce for your family throughout the growing season.