How can I keep critters from eating my tomato plants?
by
Sipseylove
+2
Other than fencing or chemicals, how can I keep critters from eating tomatoes off my plants? I tried covering tomatoes with black pepper. Didn't deter them. Tried smearing Dawn dish soap over each tomato on The vines. Didn't work.Help!
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I use neem oil on my tomatoes!
See if these help you.
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/treat-leaf-eating-insects-tomato-plants-92981.html
https://www.planetnatural.com/tomato-gardening-guru/pests-disease/
http://www.saferbrand.com/articles/common-tomato-plant-problems-how-to-fix-them
I grow organically and do not use any commercial chemicals. Look into companion planting, that helps too. I use marigolds, parsley, basil, onions, chives, shallots, rosemary and lavender.
This is a very good site. You can even click on the type of animal eating your tomatoes and get specific info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/protecting-tomatoes-from-animals.htm
What do you mean by critters? bugs,mammals,birds,people(just kidding) For bugs----Use pure Neem oil not a mixture with added ingredients it is all natural organic. Dawn dish is actually a detergent and a toxic chemical I would not want to consume it https://www.gardenmyths.com/dish-soap-damage-your-plants/ you can buy motion sensor/activated sprinklers or sound for larger creatures examples https://www.google.com/search?q=pest+deterrents+garden&safe=active&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS750US750&source=univ&tbm=shop&tbo=u&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwip8bTdpsnjAhUxNX0KHUPDBOMQsxgIMA&biw=1366&bih=657 you can also use beneficial microbes in soil or beneficial insects added to garden to control unwanted pests https://www.arbico-organics.com/
Do you know what exactly is eating your tomatoes? Critters can be just about anything. I agree with Naomie about using companion plants, just google "companion plants" and look up what will naturally repel insects. This really works!
If they are 4 legged ones, deteremine what they are and either fence with mesh or cover them.