Okay, seriously: have you ever been in your garden or at the bottom of your grocery bag and pulled out what looked like a perfectly juicy, plump tomato… and then, boom! A hole. It just sat there, as if it were taking over. I don’t know about you, but the first thing I’d say is, “What are you doing?”
But before we toss that poor tomato in the compost and walk away dramatically (with a pang of guilt), let’s try this. Holes in tomatoes are surprisingly common, and the reasons behind them are actually quite fascinating—sometimes disgusting, sure—but fixable. And if you grow them yourself, you’ve probably seen this oddity pop up spontaneously.
Let me show you why it happens, what it might mean for your precious tomatoes, and what you can do about it.
Holes in Tomatoes
What causes holes in tomatoes?
Let’s start with the obvious: something dug, chewed, or gnawed on that tomato. It didn’t happen by accident. In most cases, one of these three factors is to blame:
Continued on the next page: 1. Insects (aka your sworn little enemies)
This is the number one culprit. Tomato spiders, stag beetles, stink bugs, beetles… you name it. They’re all out there, acting like your garden is a non-stop buffet.
I remember one summer when my tomato plants finally looked beautiful. One morning, while I was watering them, I saw this huge green stag beetle roll around on a branch as if it were paying rent. Not only had it nibbled a few leaves, but it had also settled inside a tomato. I was shocked. And impressed? But mostly shocked.
These pests gnaw or bore small holes in tomatoes, leaving a mess and potentially causing internal damage. The truth? Sometimes the outside looks pretty good… until you cut it down.
2. Birds or squirrels (because sometimes they’re real idiots)
Birds and squirrels are cute until they’re not. A few bites here, a bite there, and the next thing you know, your tomatoes look like they’re being used for target practice. Birds are particularly attracted to ripe, red tomatoes, and if you’re experiencing a drought, they might peck at your tomatoes for water.
Tip: If you see tick marks on the top of the fruit and it’s almost intact, it’s probably a bird. Half your tomatoes gone? You’re looking at a squirrel. 3. Physical damage or growth problems
Sometimes it’s not even a pest. It could be stress from weather, handling, or internal defects like blossom-end rot, or even something called cat-eating disease (yes, it actually exists). It’s a weird name, I know. But it can cause deformities and holes in the tomato flesh.
If you notice strange scars, pits, or holes that look more like growth defects than bite marks, check your tomatoes for pests. This is surprisingly common and is usually caused by cold weather during flowering.
Is it safe to eat tomatoes with holes?
Here’s the million-dollar question: are they still edible?
The short answer is: maybe.
If the hole is small and you can’t see any bugs inside (yuck), and the inside of the tomato looks fresh—no mold, no slime, no bad odors—then yes, it’s probably safe. Just cut around the damaged area and use the rest.
In any case, what if the hole is large, wet, moldy, or just gives off a horror movie vibe? Throw it away. Better safe than sorry.
I once made the mistake of trying to save a tomato that looked like a small hole on the surface. It turned out to be a tunnel. And let me tell you… there was movement. I screamed. It was like I dropped it and ran away. Lesson learned.
How do you avoid holes in tomatoes?
Okay, now that we’ve emotionally processed the hole situation in your tomato, let’s talk prevention. Really? Losing your best tomatoes to insects or birds is just plain rude.
1. Check your plants regularly
I know, I know: it’s easier said than done when life is hectic. But even a quick daily check can help you spot pests before they devastate your crop. Look for chewed leaves, droppings, or eggs under the leaves.
2. Water your plants evenly
Oddly enough, irregular watering can also lead to problems like cracking and other fragility. Sudden bursts of water (especially after a period of drought) can cause the fruit to split. And cracking? They’re like an open invitation for insects and bacteria.
If you’ve ever had tomatoes split in half, you know how frustrating it can be. Here are some simple tips on how to prevent tomatoes from splitting in half.
