How to Keep Chipmunks and Squirrels Away from Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a popular crop for many gardeners, but they also tend to attract chipmunks and squirrels. These critters can cause a lot of damage to tomato plants, sometimes even destroying the entire crop. Here are some tips on how to keep these animals away from your tomato plants.

1. Use a physical barrier

One of the best ways to keep chipmunks and squirrels away from your tomato plants is to use a physical barrier. This can be a fence, a net, or even a cage. The barrier should be at least two feet high and buried two inches deep to prevent the animals from digging underneath it. A net can be draped over the plants to keep them from climbing up and stealing the tomatoes.

2. Use natural repellents

There are many natural repellents that can be used to keep chipmunks and squirrels away from your tomato plants. These include chili powder, garlic, and peppermint oil. These can be sprinkled around the base of the plants or mixed with water and sprayed on the plants. Another natural repellent is predator urine, which can be purchased from garden centers or online. This will scare away the animals without harming them.

3. Use noise and motion

Chipmunks and squirrels don't like loud noises and sudden movements, so using these can help deter them from your tomato plants. A wind chime or a string of bells hanging near the plants can make enough noise to scare the critters away. A motion-activated sprinkler can also be effective, as the sudden burst of water will surprise the animals and keep them away from the plants.

4. Remove food sources

Chipmunks and squirrels are attracted to your garden because of the food that they can find there. Removing food sources, such as bird seed and fallen fruit, can help keep the animals away. You can also cover your compost pile to prevent the animals from digging in it, as it can be a source of food and shelter for them.

5. Be persistent

It may take a combination of these methods to keep chipmunks and squirrels away from your tomato plants. It's important to be persistent and to continue trying different methods until you find one that works. Remember that the animals are simply trying to survive, so using humane methods is always the best approach. With patience and determination, you can protect your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.