Do Tomato Plants Attract Deer to Your Property?

Many gardeners love growing tomatoes in their gardens, but they may also worry about attracting deer to their property. Deer are notorious for feeding on tomato plants, which can ruin a gardener's harvest. This raises the question, do tomato plants really attract deer to your property?

The Short Answer

Yes, tomato plants can attract deer to your property. Deer love to eat tomatoes, and the scent of tomatoes can be very alluring to them. However, there are ways to deter deer from eating your tomatoes and other garden plants.

Why Do Deer Love Tomatoes?

Deer are animals that love to eat a variety of plants, including vegetables and fruit. Tomatoes are particularly appealing to deer because of their sweet, juicy flavor. The scent of ripening tomatoes can also attract deer from a distance. Once they have discovered your tomato plants, they may continue to return to your garden to feast on them.

How to Deter Deer from Your Garden

If you want to protect your tomatoes and other garden plants from deer, there are several methods you can try. Here are some of the most effective ways to deter deer from your garden:

Install a Deer Fence: One of the most effective ways to keep deer out of your garden is to install a deer fence. This could be a traditional fence made of wood or metal, or a much simpler option such as a plastic mesh fence that you can wrap around your garden plants.

Use Repellents: There are many different types of deer repellents available on the market. These may include sprays, granules, or motion-activated devices that emit a noise or scent that deer find unappealing. Some popular repellents include coyote urine, vinegar, and strong-smelling herbs like lavender and thyme.

Plant Strategically: Planting strategically may also help to deter deer from your garden. For example, you can try planting plants that deer don't particularly like, such as herbs or plants with thorny leaves. Planting these types of plants around your tomato plants may discourage deer from approaching them.

The Bottom Line

While tomato plants can attract deer to your property, there are many ways to deter them from eating your garden plants. By installing a fence, using repellents, and planting strategically, you can protect your tomatoes and other plants from being feasted on by these hungry animals. Don't let deer ruin your gardening efforts - take action to protect your plants today.