How to Keep Animals Off Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a favorite of many animals, including rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, and deer. These animals can quickly destroy your tomato crop, leaving you with nothing to harvest. To protect your tomato plants from animal damage, here are some tips you can follow:

1. Install Fencing

Fencing is a great way to prevent animals from getting to your tomato plants. You can install a fence around your garden area to keep larger animals, like deer and raccoons, out of your garden. Make sure the fence is at least six feet tall and buried at least a foot deep so that animals cannot dig under it. For smaller animals, like rabbits and squirrels, it's best to use small mesh or chicken wire fencing.

2. Use Natural Repellents

Natural repellents can be effective in keeping animals away from your tomato plants. You can hang pieces of strong-smelling soap, like Irish Spring, around your garden to keep rabbits and deer away. Sprinkle cayenne pepper or garlic powder around your tomato plants to keep squirrels and other small animals from eating them.

3. Encourage Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators, like birds of prey and snakes, can help keep rodents, like squirrels and rabbits, away from your tomato plants. Install birdhouses and birdbaths in your garden to attract birds. Create a welcoming environment for snakes by adding rocks, logs, and other natural materials to your garden.

4. Use Physical Barriers

Physical barriers, like mesh netting or floating row covers, can also protect your tomato plants from animal damage. These covers can be draped over your plants and secured with stakes or garden staples to prevent animals from getting to them. Make sure the covers are secured tightly to prevent animals from slipping underneath them.

5. Harvest Your Tomatoes Early

If you're having trouble keeping animals away from your tomato plants, consider harvesting your tomatoes early. This way, you can still enjoy a crop of tomatoes, even if some of them aren't fully ripe yet. Harvesting early also helps prevent animals from realizing that your garden is a source of food.

By following these tips, you can keep animals off your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy crop of tomatoes. Remember to always be vigilant and check your plants regularly for signs of animal damage.