How to Keep Animals Out of Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a popular garden crop that is easy to grow and maintain. However, keeping animals out of your tomato plants can be a challenge. Unwelcome visitors such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds can destroy your plants and eat your delicious tomatoes. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to keep animals away from your tomato plants. In this article, we will share some tips on how to keep animals out of your tomato plants.

Use Protective Fencing

One of the most effective ways to keep animals out of your tomato plants is by using protective fencing. You can use chicken wire or hardware cloth to make a fence around your tomato plants. Make sure the fence is at least 2 feet high and buried about 6 inches deep into the ground to prevent digging animals from getting under it. Before putting up a fence, consider the size and type of the animals you are trying to keep out. For example, smaller animals such as rabbits may require a smaller mesh size than larger animals such as deer.

Hang Reflective Objects

Another effective way to keep animals out of your tomato plants is by hanging reflective objects around your garden. You can use old CDs, mirrors, or even aluminum foil to create a reflective barrier around your tomato plants. The reflection of the light will confuse and scare away birds and other animals. It is recommended to hang the reflective objects in a way that they can move easily in the wind, to increase their effectiveness.

Try Natural Deterrents

There are several natural deterrents that are effective in keeping animals away from your tomato plants. For example, you can sprinkle cayenne pepper or garlic around the perimeter of your garden to keep animals from entering. Additionally, planting herbs such as basil, mint, or lavender around your tomato plants can help repel insects and animals due to their strong smell. You can also use predator urine such as coyote or fox urine around the garden perimeter, as the scent can indicate a potential predator in the area and deter animals from entering.

Use Animal Repellents

If natural deterrents are not effective, you can use commercial animal repellents to keep animals out of your tomato plants. These repellents come in spray or granular form and can deter animals by having an unpleasant taste or smell. It is important to follow the instructions on the label when using these products, and to reapply after rain or watering.

Conclusion

Keeping animals out of your tomato plants requires a bit of effort and planning, but it is well worth it when you can enjoy your ripe and juicy tomatoes. By using protective fencing, hanging reflective objects, trying natural deterrents, and using animal repellents, you can successfully keep animals away from your tomato plants. Implementing one or more of these methods can help protect your garden and ensure a bountiful tomato harvest.