Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants? If you are unsure about growing them in these animal-prone areas, this article is for you!
Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants? The answer is a resounding yes, and this reality can be both surprising and concerning for home gardeners. This article will explore why deer target these plants, the extent of the damage they can cause, and, most importantly, offers practical and effective strategies to protect your cherished tomato garden.
What does it mean when a deer crosses your path? Read here to find out
Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?
Deer are opportunistic feeders and may eat tomato plants when their preferred food sources are scarce.
Reasons Deer Eat Tomato Plants
- Scarcity of Preferred Food: Deer may turn to tomato plants when their preferred food sources are scarce, especially during harsh weather conditions or in overpopulated areas.
- Opportunistic Feeding: Deer are opportunistic feeders, meaning if they come across tomato plants, especially ripe fruits, they might feed on them.
Note: Deer might be more attracted to ripe tomatoes rather than the plant itself.
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Are Tomato Plants Poisonous to Deer?
The foliage and stems of tomato plants contain tomatine, a toxic glycoalkaloid, but it’s usually not harmful in small quantities. Although rare, consuming large amounts of tomato foliage and stems could lead to tomatine toxicity in deer.
How to Know if Deer is Eating Your Tomatoes?
- Jagged or torn browsing patterns on tomato plants: Deer don’t have upper incisor teeth, so the leaves of your tomato plants will be jagged.
- Different shapes of hoof prints: Deer’s hoof prints are distinctive and look like an upside-down heart.
- Higher height of damage: Deer can reach 2-3 feet above the ground, so if your tomato plants are up to three feet tall, the damage could be from deer.
- Pellet-like droppings: Deer droppings that look like pellets are a good sign of deer.
- Damage to your garden fencing: If you have fencing, look for signs that deer are trying to jump or push through the fence.
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Preventing Deer Damage to Tomato Plants
- Fencing: A physical barrier, at least 6-8 feet tall, is highly recommended since deer are skilled jumpers.
- Deer Repellents: Choose from various commercial options or try homemade solutions like hanging soap bars or human hair on the fence or near plants.
- Companion Planting: Plant deer-resistant species like garlic, onions, or marigolds around your tomatoes.
Conclusion
In summary, deer will eat tomato plants, but usually as a last resort or when other food sources are unavailable. The deer’s natural dietary preferences, food availability, and environmental factors influence the interaction between deer and tomato plants.
While tomato plants are not the ideal food for deer, they will consume them when necessary. Gardeners should consider this when planning to protect their plants from deer.
