Introduction

Tomatoes are a favorite among many gardeners, but unfortunately, they’re a favorite among many animals as well. There’s nothing more frustrating than putting time and effort into growing tomato plants, only to have them destroyed by hungry critters. However, there are several measures you can take to keep animals from eating your tomato plants.

Identify the Culprit

The first step in safeguarding your tomato plants is to determine which animal is causing the damage. Common tomato plant thieves include squirrels, rabbits, deer, and birds. Each of these pests requires a different approach to keeping them away.

Fencing

One of the most effective ways to keep out animals is by building a fence around your tomato plants. For small animals like rabbits, a fence several feet in height with small openings at the bottom works well. Deer, on the other hand, require a much taller fence, at least eight feet high. Consider using wire fencing, as animals are less likely to chew through it. Additionally, make sure the fence is buried several inches into the ground to prevent animals from digging underneath.

Scare Tactics

Scaring animals away from your tomato plants is another viable option. Consider hanging shiny objects like CDs or aluminum foil from the plants to scare off birds. Motion-activated sprinklers can also startle animals away from your plants. And for squirrels, placing predator urine or a decoy hawk or owl near the tomato plants can help keep them at bay.

Repellents

There are several natural repellents you can use to keep animals from eating your tomato plants. For example, planting herbs like mint, oregano, or garlic around the perimeter of your garden can deter animals with their strong scent. Additionally, spraying a mixture of water and cayenne pepper onto your tomato plants can create an unpleasant taste, causing animals to avoid them. Lastly, there are commercially available repellents, both natural and chemical, that you can purchase if other methods are unsuccessful.

Cultural Practices

Finally, cultural practices can also help keep animals away from your tomato plants. For example, planting tomatoes later in the season can decrease the likelihood of animal damage. Additionally, removing dead plant matter and keeping your garden clean can help discourage animals, as they prefer areas with lots of cover.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several methods for keeping animals from eating your tomato plants. These include fencing, scare tactics, natural repellents, and cultural practices. By implementing one or several of these methods, you can help ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious, undisturbed tomatoes.