Do deer eat tomatoes? The short answer is, yes. A hungry deer will eat just about anything. But don’t let that stop you!
For the past five years we’ve lived in a very wild mountain location with A LOT of deer pressure (white tail deer to be specific). Despite that, we’ve been able to grow a bountiful garden each summer. The deer have been known to nibble on a dahlia occasionally, but for the most part the strategies I’m outlining below have kept us growing happily.
Let’s dive in and learn how to keep your tomatoes safe!
Understanding Deer Feeding Behavior
Deer are natural herbivores and will graze on a variety of crops, trees, grasses, vegetation, acorns, and nuts. They spend a significant portion of their day foraging for food, consuming up to 12 pounds of plant material per day.
While tomatoes and tomato plants are not their preferred food source, deer will still eat them if there are no tastier options available. Therefore, it is important to take proactive measures to protect your tomato plants from these hungry visitors.
Do Deer Eat Tomatoes and Tomato Plants?
The short answer is yes, deer can and will eat your tomatoes and tomato plants. However, tomatoes are not their top choice when it comes to foraging for food. If there are more enticing options available, such as lettuce, strawberries, and sweet corn, deer will likely prioritize those over your tomatoes. Nevertheless, it is crucial to implement protective strategies to safeguard your tomato plants and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Identifying Deer Damage to Tomato Plants
It is important to be able to identify deer damage to your tomato plants, as sometimes other animals like rabbits and mice can also cause similar damage. Here are some telltale signs that deer are responsible for the damage:
- Large, rough bite marks on the stems of the plants.
- Damage higher up on the plant, as deer are tall animals.
- Uprooted plants, indicating forceful grazing by deer.
- Trampled surrounding plants.
- Hoof prints in the garden, especially if the soil is damp or soft.
By observing these signs, you can confirm whether deer are the culprits and take appropriate action to protect your tomato plants.
Are Tomato Plants Toxic to Deer?
While tomato plants are not inherently toxic to deer, the leaves and stems of tomato plants contain alkaloids such as solanine and tomatine, which can be toxic in large quantities (the same is true for tomatoes being safe for chickens!). However, the levels of these compounds in ripe tomatoes are relatively low and not likely to pose a significant health risk to deer. Nonetheless, it is still important to protect your tomato plants to ensure a healthy harvest and prevent deer from consuming excessive amounts of leaves and stems.
Other Plants That Deer Eat
Deer have a broad diet and will consume a variety of plants. While tomatoes may be on their menu, there are many other plants that deer find more appealing. Here are some examples of plants that deer commonly eat:
- Acorns
- Aspen
- Berry bushes
- Corn
- Goldenrod
- Honeysuckle
- Maple
- Poplar
- Sumac
These are just a few examples, and deer have been known to eat many other types of plants. Understanding their feeding preferences can help you make informed choices when planning your garden and selecting deer-resistant plants.
Strategies to Keep Deer From Eating Your Tomatoes
So, sure a deer won’t choose a tomato as it’s favorite food, but that doesn’t mean they can do some major damage. Here’s what we’ve found to be the most effective way to keep deer from eating your tomatoes.
1. Fencing
Installing a fence around your garden is one of the most effective ways to keep deer out. There are two main types of fencing to consider:
- Permanent Fencing: This type of fencing is more expensive and labor-intensive to install but provides a long-term solution. However, it may limit the expansion of your garden in the future.
- Temporary Fencing: Electric poultry netting is a popular choice for temporary fencing. This type of fencing allows you make garden changes easily. But I’ve found it’s difficult to find a temporary fence that is actually tall and robust enough keep deer out.
Remember that deer are excellent jumpers. You need a deer fence that is at least 6-7 feet tall. And if Elk are a problem in your area, then you should go upwards of 9 feet. Deer fencing is no doubt expensive, but it’s also very effective.
If you live somewhere with a lot of deer and are serious about gardening, you’re going to need a fence.
2. Livestock Guardian Dogs
It’s not surprising that our Colorado Mountain Dogs are responsible for protecting the chickens and goats, but a lot of people don’t realize a good livestock guardian dog is also an excellent deer repellent.
We fence our Colorado Mountain Dog puppies and adult dogs out of the garden as they tend to trample anything when on a mission to protect. But whenever we keep them near the garden, we know they will immediately bark and scare off any hungry deer.
Other Ways to Keep Deer from Eating Your Tomatoes
I haven’t used these specifically, but when I asked fellow gardeners how they deter deer, here are their responses.
3. Predator Eyes and Motion-Activated Sprinklers
Deer are natural prey to larger predators such as coyotes, cougars, bobcats, wolves, and bears. You can use this knowledge to your advantage by placing glowing predator eye deterrents in your garden. These eyes create the illusion of a predator presence and can help scare deer away.
Motion-activated sprinklers are an excellent deterrent for deer and other animals. These sprinklers are equipped with sensors that detect movement and spray water when triggered. The sudden burst of water startles deer and discourages them from entering your garden.
4. Companion Planting
Companion planting involves growing certain plants near your tomatoes that deer dislike. Some plants have strong scents or textures that deter deer. Consider planting the following deer-deterring plants near your tomatoes:
- Daffodils
- Foxglove
- Monkshood
- Poppies
- Sage
- Mint
- Garlic
- Lavender
- Roses
- Lamb’s ear
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can create a natural barrier that deer are less likely to penetrate.
5. Deer-Repellent Sprays
Deer-repellent sprays can be an effective tool in deterring deer from your tomato plants. These sprays typically contain natural ingredients such as mint oil and garlic oil, which create strong odors that deer find unpleasant. Regularly applying these sprays to your tomato plants can help protect them from deer damage.
6. Ultrasonic Deer Repellents
Ultrasonic deer repellents emit high-frequency sounds that are unpleasant to deer but inaudible to humans. These devices can be placed in your garden to create a sonic barrier that deters deer from approaching your tomato plants. Keep in mind that if you have pets, they may also be able to hear the high-frequency sounds, so consider their presence when using ultrasonic repellents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deer can indeed eat your tomatoes and tomato plants. However, with measures in place, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes while keeping deer at bay.
Happy gardening!
