How to Keep Critters Out of Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are incredibly versatile and delicious vegetables that can be used in a wide variety of dishes. However, they are also a favorite food source for a range of critters, including birds, squirrels, rabbits, and even rats. Keeping these pests away from your tomato plants can be challenging, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible. Here are some tips for keeping critters out of your tomato plants:

Choose the Right Location

When selecting a location for your tomato plants, look for an area that is as far away as possible from wildlife habitats. This will reduce the likelihood of critters finding and eating your tomatoes. Additionally, try to plant your tomatoes in an area that is easily accessible to you but not to other animals. For example, you can use a raised bed or a container garden that sits off the ground.

Use Fencing or Netting

Fencing or netting is a great way to keep critters away from your tomato plants. If you have a fence in your yard, you can simply attach bird netting to it to create a barrier around your plants. Alternatively, you can use chicken wire or plastic barriers to create a physical barrier that makes it difficult for critters to access your tomatoes.

Use Strong-Smelling Repellents

Some animals are sensitive to certain smells, so using strong-smelling repellents can be a good way to keep them away from your tomato plants. You can make your own repellent by mixing water with hot sauce, garlic, or peppermint oil and spraying it on your plants. Other options available in the market include predator urine and animal repellent sprays that you can spray around your tomato plants.

Scare Them Away

Scare tactics can be an effective way to keep critters away from your tomatoes. One simple method is to place scarecrows or reflective objects around your tomato plants. Other options include using noise-making devices like wind chimes or making loud noises near your plants to scare animals away.

Protect Your Tomatoes at Night

Some animals are nocturnal, which means they are more active at night. To protect your tomatoes from these creatures, you can cover them at night using a tarp, blanket, or netting. This will prevent animals from finding and feeding on your tomatoes while you are asleep.

Conclusion

Tomatoes are a delicious and nutritious addition to any garden, but animal pests can quickly ruin your harvest. By choosing the right location for your plants, using fencing or netting, using strong-smelling repellents, scaring animals away, and protecting your tomatoes at night, you can keep critters away and enjoy a bountiful tomato harvest throughout the season.