Protecting Tomatoes from Squirrels: Tips and Tricks

If you're a gardener, you know the struggle of keeping your precious fruits and vegetables safe from pests. One of the most common culprits is squirrels, who love to feast on ripe tomatoes straight off the vine. But fear not, with the right techniques, you can protect your tomato plants and harvest a bountiful crop. Here are some tips and tricks for protecting tomatoes from squirrels.

1. Build a Fence

One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to build a physical barrier around it. You can use a wire fence that's at least 6 feet high, burying it a few inches into the ground to prevent squirrels from digging underneath. Make sure to leave enough room between the fence and the plants so that squirrels can't jump over or reach through the holes.

Another option is to use metal mesh cages or hardware cloth to cover individual plants. This method works well if you only have a few tomato plants to protect.

2. Use Repellents

There are several natural repellents that can be used to keep squirrels away from your tomato plants. Some popular options include pepper spray, garlic spray, and vinegar. These scents are unpleasant to squirrels and will deter them from entering your garden. Simply mix the repellent with water and spray it onto your plants every few days.

Another option is to use motion-activated sprinklers. These devices release a burst of water whenever they detect movement, scaring squirrels away from your garden.

3. Plant Companion Plants

Companion planting is a technique where different plants are grown together to benefit each other. In the case of tomatoes, planting them alongside herbs like basil, mint, or rosemary can help to repel squirrels. These herbs have strong scents that squirrels don't like, making them less likely to venture into your garden.

Additionally, you can plant marigolds around your tomato plants. Marigolds are known to repel a variety of pests, including squirrels. Plus, their bright flowers add a pop of color to your garden.

4. Pick Tomatoes Early

If squirrels are continually stealing your ripe tomatoes, consider picking them early. This may seem counterintuitive, but tomatoes will continue to ripen after they've been picked. By harvesting them before they're fully ripe, you can enjoy them without giving squirrels a chance to get to them first.

5. Provide Alternative Food Sources

Sometimes, squirrels will invade your garden because they're hungry and looking for food. To prevent them from feasting on your tomatoes, provide alternative food sources elsewhere in your yard. For example, you can put out a squirrel feeder filled with nuts, seeds, and fruits. This will give squirrels a place to go that's not your garden.

Tomato plants protected by a wire fence

Protecting your tomato plants from squirrels can be a challenge, but it's not impossible. By using a combination of physical barriers, natural repellents, companion plants, and good gardening practices, you can ensure a healthy and fruitful harvest. Happy gardening!

garden pests, tomato plant care, natural pest control, companion planting, animal repellents