3. Use a net or garden sheet
This is my tried-and-true method for keeping birds and squirrels away. Simply stretch a light net over the plants and secure it. You’ll feel like a bodyguard for your tomatoes. Plus, your fruit will stay safe without harming the animals.
4. Companion plants and natural repellents
Basil, marigolds, and garlic near your tomatoes can actually keep some insects away. Plus, they’ll leave your garden smelling nice. It’s a real win-win situation.
5. Keep everything clean
Old fruit, fallen leaves, and overgrown weeds? They’re like a VIP lounge for pests. Keep the area around your tomato plants clean to deter intruders.
So… what should you do if you find a hole?
Here’s a simple plan of action:
Inspect the tomatoes. Look for signs of insects, mold, or general ugliness.
Open them. If the inside is intact, cut around the damaged area and use the rest. Throw them away if in doubt. Don’t take any chances if they’re mushy, smell strange, or make you feel sick.
Inspect the plant. If one tomato has holes, the others probably have them too.
Treat the problem. Once you’ve identified the likely cause, take action: eliminate pests, use repellents, improve watering, etc.
It might be a little disgusting or disappointing to find holes in your tomatoes, but it’s certainly not the end of the world. In most cases, it’s just a sign that something in your garden’s ecosystem needs a little tweaking. Maybe a little more attention to watering. Maybe some pest control. Or maybe just a cranky squirrel.
In any case, now you know what to do, what to watch out for, and how to prevent it from happening again. Tomatoes may require a little TLC at times, but they’re definitely worth it. Especially if you grew them yourself.
Source: Reddit
Hey, if everything else…
