Tomato Plant Protection: Keeping Animals at Bay
Tomatoes are a delicious and versatile fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or canned. However, tomato plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including animals.
Animal Pests That Target Tomato Plants
While birds, hornworms, and other insects are common pests of tomato plants, animals can also be a problem. The following animals are known to target tomato plants:
- Rabbits
- Squirrels
- Deer
- Woodchucks
- Gophers
- Chipmunks
- Opossum
- Raccoons
- Moles
- Voles
These animals can cause significant damage to tomato plants, eating the leaves, stems, fruits, and even the roots.
Protecting Tomato Plants from Animals
There are a number of steps you can take to protect your tomato plants from animals:
Raised Beds
Raised beds are an effective way to keep animals from eating your tomatoes. Raised beds that are 18 inches (46 cm) high or higher are difficult for rabbits and other small animals to get into. It is also a good idea to have 6 inches (15 cm) or more of the wood planks below the soil level so that small animals do not just burrow underneath the raised beds.
Hardware Cloth or Wire Mesh
You can also lay down a barrier of heavy-duty hardware cloth or wire mesh below raised beds to prevent animals from burrowing into your garden.
Pots
If you have limited space, tomatoes grow very well in large pots. Pots will also make the plants too high for some animal pests to reach. Another benefit to growing tomatoes in pots is that you can place these pots on balconies, patios, or other well-traveled areas where animals are not likely to go.
Motion Light
Deer, raccoons, and rabbits generally avoid being too close to people or areas frequented by pets. You can also place your garden beds up near the house or in the vicinity of a motion light to scare off animal pests.
Animal Deterrent Sprays
There are a number of animal deterrent sprays available on the market that can be used to keep animals away from your tomato plants. These sprays typically contain ingredients that animals find unpleasant, such as capsaicin or peppermint oil.
Bird Netting
Bird netting can be used to protect tomato plants from birds and other small animals. The netting should be placed over the plants and secured to the ground with stakes or rocks.
Fencing
Fencing is a great option for keeping animals out of your garden. To keep rabbits out, the fence needs to sit below the soil level and have gaps that are no bigger than one inch (2.5 cm). To keep deer out, the fence needs to be 8 feet (2 m) or taller.
Other Methods
Some people have reported success using human hair to deter deer. The hair can be placed in the garden around the plants. However, this method has not been scientifically proven to be effective.
Preventing Root Damage
Moles and voles are known to cause damage to tomato plant roots. This damage can be difficult to detect until it is too late to save the plant. To prevent root damage, you can:
- Plant tomatoes in well-drained soil
- Avoid overwatering
- Keep the garden free of weeds and debris
- Use raised beds or pots
- Install a fence around the garden
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can protect your tomato plants from animals and ensure a bountiful harvest.
