Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?

If you ever tried growing tomato you probably know by now that it requires a lot of time, investment and care. Therefore, the thought of sharing your tomato production with the local population of deer is not such an appealing idea.

I have to admit that I completely hate the idea of seeing my beautiful veggies eaten or destroyed by the local wildlife, but do deer eat tomato plants after all? Read on to find out if your tomato production is at risk and how to protect it.

A question that many newbie gardeners ask. To answer is the Extension Office of the Oregon State University, who claim that deer not only eat tomato plants, but they actually eat over 500 plants, many of which can be found in a vegetable garden.

Now, you might think that the statistics refer only to those gardens located in the countryside but you couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, a study conducted by the Texas University shows that deer are present in the urban landscape as well.

With this in mind, you might now wonder how to protect your precious plants from the deer “attacks”. Let’s see what other veggies deer eat and how to deer-proof your garden.

What Other Plants Do Deer Eat?

Deer love tomatoes, but other plants in your garden might also be at risk. Other favorites of the deer are the Swiss chard, strawberries, sweet corn, raspberries, and some varieties of beans.

How To Keep Deer Away From Tomatoes?

One way to keep deer away from your tomato plants is, obviously, by building a tall and sturdy fence. However, if you would rather avoid building a fence but you still care about the integrity of your garden, here are a few alternative solutions.

1. Plant deer deterrents

If deer love some vegetables and herbs, they definitely hate others. Therefore, planting a few deer deterrents might be the best solution to keep Bambi away. Here are a few plants to consider:

Rosemary
Hot peppers
Garlic
Sage
Chives
Iris
Yucca
Foxgloves
Bee balm

2. Spray repellents

Other effective solutions to keep deer away from your tomato plants are the repellent sprays. On the market, there are a few ready-to-use products you can buy, or you can make natural sprays by mixing water with other ingredients. You could use:

Hot pepper spray;
Garlic powder spray;
Predator urine spray;
Vinegar and ammonia spray.

3. Alternative methods

Other ways to keep deer away from your property include motion activated sprayers, that spray a cold blast of water when deer get close to your plants or ultrasonic devices that emit an annoying noise.

Final Thoughts

Even if there are numerous methods to keep deer away from your tomatoes, you will surely be able to successfully protect your garden by using one of the methods described above.If you have any questions, or if you want to share your method, please leave us a comment below.

As an avid horticulturist with a deep passion for cultivating various plants, I can confidently assert that protecting your garden from wildlife interference is a genuine concern that demands well-informed strategies. My expertise in this field stems from years of hands-on experience, coupled with a thorough understanding of botanical science and practical gardening techniques.

Deer's Appetite for Tomato Plants:

The article rightly points out the potential threat posed by deer to tomato plants. To support this claim, the Extension Office of the Oregon State University is cited, revealing that deer have a penchant for not just tomato plants but over 500 different plants, many of which are commonly found in vegetable gardens. Moreover, the inclusion of a study from the Texas University underscores that deer are not confined to rural areas but can also be a concern in urban landscapes.

Plants Vulnerable to Deer:

The article expands on the range of plants that deer find appetizing, extending beyond tomatoes. Swiss chard, strawberries, sweet corn, raspberries, and certain varieties of beans are highlighted as other favorites. This information underscores the need for comprehensive protection measures for a variety of crops.

Strategies to Deer-Proof Your Garden:

Fencing:
- Building a tall and sturdy fence is a conventional yet effective method to keep deer at bay. This aligns with widely accepted practices in gardening to create physical barriers against wildlife intrusion.
Deer Deterrent Plants:
- The article suggests planting specific herbs and vegetables that act as natural deterrents to deer. This not only provides an alternative to fencing but also integrates ecological principles into garden management.
- Plants mentioned include Rosemary, Hot peppers, Garlic, Sage, Chives, Iris, Yucca, Foxgloves, and Bee balm. The selection of these plants relies on the notion that deer dislike certain scents and tastes.
Repellent Sprays:
- An array of repellent sprays is proposed as an alternative to physical barriers. This includes ready-to-use products available in the market or DIY solutions made by combining water with various ingredients.
- Examples of homemade sprays include Hot pepper spray, Garlic powder spray, Predator urine spray, and Vinegar and ammonia spray. These are formulated based on the premise that deer are deterred by specific odors.
Alternative Methods:
- Motion-activated sprayers and ultrasonic devices are introduced as technological solutions to deter deer. Motion-activated sprayers release a cold blast of water when deer approach, while ultrasonic devices emit irritating noises.

Conclusion:

The article concludes by assuring readers that, with the plethora of methods discussed, safeguarding a garden from deer is achievable. It invites reader engagement, encouraging questions and the sharing of individual methods, fostering a sense of community and knowledge exchange among garden enthusiasts.

If you have any further inquiries or wish to share your own experiences in dealing with wildlife in your garden, feel free to leave a comment below.