Do Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are rodents that belong to the squirrel family. They are native to North America and are known to cause harm to plants, fruits, and vegetables. If you are a gardener, you may have been wondering whether groundhogs eat tomato plants. In this article, we will explore this question in-depth and provide you with all the information you need to protect your plants.

What Do Groundhogs Eat?

Groundhogs are herbivorous animals and feed mainly on plants, fruits, and vegetables. Their diet consists of a variety of vegetation, including clover, grasses, dandelions, and wildflowers. They also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, peaches, corn, beans, and squash. However, their favorite food is usually green grass, which they prefer to eat over anything else.

Do Groundhogs Like Tomatoes?

Unfortunately, groundhogs do eat tomato plants. Tomato plants are part of the nightshade family, which includes other plants such as peppers and eggplants. These plants contain a chemical called solanine that is toxic to some animals. However, groundhogs have developed a tolerance to this chemical and are known to eat tomatoes without any problems.

How Do Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants?

Groundhogs eat tomato plants by nibbling the leaves, stems, and fruits. They usually attack the lower parts of the plant, where the foliage is more abundant. They can cause significant damage to your plants, especially if you have a large population of groundhogs in your area. Groundhogs are active during the day and can consume up to a pound of vegetation per day, which means they can destroy an entire garden in just a few days.

How to Protect Your Tomato Plants from Groundhogs?

If you want to protect your tomato plants from groundhogs, here are some strategies you can use:

Fencing: Surround your garden with a fence that is at least 3 feet high and buried at least 1 foot deep. This will prevent groundhogs from entering your garden.

Repellents: Use a repellent spray that contains ingredients like pepper, garlic, and eggs to keep groundhogs away from your tomato plants.

Trapping: Use a humane trap to catch the groundhogs and release them in a remote location away from your garden.

In Conclusion

Groundhogs are herbivorous animals that eat tomato plants. However, by using the strategies mentioned above, you can protect your garden from these animals and enjoy your homegrown tomatoes. Make sure to monitor your plants regularly for any signs of damage and act quickly if you notice any groundhog activity in your garden.