Introduction

Tomatoes are a great addition to any vegetable garden, but unfortunately, birds love them as much as we do. Birds can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants, including pecking holes in the fruit, damaging the stems and leaves, and even uprooting the plant. In this article, we will discuss various ways to keep birds out of tomato plants.

1. Use Bird Netting

Bird netting is a highly effective way to keep birds away from your tomato plants. Place the netting over the tomato plants, ensuring that it is secure and tight enough to prevent birds from getting through. Bird netting is available in different sizes and can be purchased at most garden centers or online. However, make sure that the netting is not too small or too large for your tomato plants.

2. Bird Scare Devices

Another way to keep birds out of tomato plants is to use bird scare devices, such as scare-eye balloons, owl or hawk decoys, or reflective scare tape. These devices are designed to scare off birds by creating the impression of a predator or danger. Place the devices strategically around your tomato plants, and remember to move them around from time to time to avoid birds becoming accustomed to them.

3. Plant Marigolds Around Your Tomato Plants

Birds are deterred by some plants, and marigolds are one of them. The strong smell of marigolds is known to repel birds, so planting them around your tomato plants can help keep birds away. In addition, marigolds are an excellent companion plant for tomatoes, as they attract beneficial insects and repel harmful ones.

4. Use Bird Repellent Sprays

Bird repellent sprays are another viable option for keeping birds away from your tomato plants. These sprays work by making the fruit and leaves of tomato plants taste or smell unpleasant to birds. Various commercial bird repellent sprays are available, or you can create a homemade spray using natural ingredients like vinegar, cayenne pepper, or garlic. Remember to reapply the spray after every rain or heavy watering.

5. Erect Bird-Proof Cages or Frames

If you have a small garden or container garden, you can consider using bird-proof cages or frames to protect your tomato plants. These cages or frames can be made from different materials like chicken wire, PVC pipes, or wooden frames. They are easy to construct, and you can customize them to fit your tomato plants' size and shape. However, make sure that the spaces between the wires are small enough to prevent birds from entering.

Conclusion

Birds are beautiful creatures, but they can cause significant damage to your tomato plants. To keep birds out of your tomato plants, you can use bird netting, bird scare devices, plant marigolds, use bird repellent sprays, or erect bird-proof cages or frames. By doing this, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes without worrying about birds destroying your plants.