How to Keep the Birds Away from Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a favorite of many bird species, and as a result, they can wreak havoc on your tomato plants. If you want to avoid having your tomato plants stripped of their fruit by curious or hungry birds, there are several strategies you can use to keep them away. Here are some simple tips to help you protect your tomato plants from bird damage:

1. Use Physical Barriers

One of the most effective ways to keep birds away from your tomato plants is to use physical barriers. You can use netting or chicken wire to create a barrier around your tomato plants. The netting should be about one inch in mesh size, so the birds cannot get their heads or beaks through it to attack the tomatoes.

The chicken wire can be attached to stakes around the plants to create a fence-like barrier. This will help prevent birds from landing on the plants and snacking on the fruit. Be sure to secure the netting or chicken wire tightly, so birds cannot get underneath it and steal your tomatoes.

2. Install Scare Devices

Another option for keeping birds away from your tomato plants is to install scare devices. These devices are designed to mimic the appearance of predators or other threats to birds, and they can help scare birds away from your tomato plants.

Some popular scare devices include reflective tape, holographic balloons, and motion-activated sprinklers. The reflective tape can be hung near the tomato plants to catch the sunlight and create a flashing effect to scare birds away. The holographic balloons can be hung on stakes around the plants to create a visual deterrent for birds.

The motion-activated sprinklers can be set up near the tomato plants and will spray water when they detect movement. This can startle birds and scare them away from the plants. Keep in mind that scare devices may need to be moved around occasionally to keep the birds from getting used to them.

3. Plant Companion Plants

Another way to keep birds away from your tomato plants is to plant companion plants nearby. Some plants emit scents that birds find unpleasant or confusing, and planting these plants near your tomato plants can help deter birds.

Plants like marigolds, basil, and mint are known to repel birds, so you could consider adding these to your garden. Additionally, these plants can help attract beneficial insects that can help pollinate your tomato plants and keep pests in check.

4. Harvest Your Tomatoes Early

If you notice birds are starting to take an interest in your tomato plants, it may be time to harvest your tomatoes early. If you pick your tomatoes while they are still slightly green and let them ripen indoors, birds will be less likely to attack them.

Not only will harvesting early help protect your tomatoes from birds, but it can also help prevent damage from other pests like squirrels or other animals. Additionally, harvesting early can help extend your tomato season as it encourages your plants to continue producing more fruit.

Conclusion

There are several strategies you can use to keep birds away from your tomato plants, ranging from physical barriers to scare devices to companion planting. Choosing the right method for your garden can help protect your tomato plants and ensure you get a bountiful harvest.