Do Deer Eat Tomato Blossoms? A Gardener’s Guide
Deer are notoriously opportunistic herbivores, and whether your prized tomato blossoms are on their menu is a pressing concern for many gardeners. The answer, in short, is yes, deer will eat tomato blossoms, especially when other food sources are scarce.
Understanding the Deer Diet
To truly understand why deer might target your tomato blossoms, it’s helpful to delve into their dietary habits and preferences. Deer are browsers, meaning they consume a wide variety of plants, including leaves, stems, fruits, nuts, and, unfortunately, flowers. Their primary goal is to find readily available and nutritious food sources. Their diet changes based on season and available resources, increasing the likelihood they’ll sample whatever is readily available in your garden.
Why Tomato Blossoms Are Appealing
While deer don’t typically rank tomato blossoms as their favorite food, several factors can make them appealing:
- Palatability: While tomato plants themselves contain compounds that deer often avoid (like tomatine), the blossoms can be more palatable. They are tender, readily available, and provide a quick, easy snack.
- Availability: In areas with high deer populations or limited food resources, even less desirable foods become attractive. A garden full of tomato blossoms presents an easy meal.
- Curiosity: Young deer, especially, may sample various plants out of curiosity, potentially developing a taste for tomato blossoms.
Identifying Deer Damage
Distinguishing deer damage from other garden pests is crucial for effective management. Here’s what to look for:
- Ragged edges on leaves and blossoms: Deer lack upper incisors, so they tear foliage rather than making clean cuts.
- Missing blossoms or buds: Deer often strip entire stems of blossoms or buds.
- Tracks and droppings: Deer tracks are typically heart-shaped, and their droppings resemble small, dark pellets.
- Damage at a consistent height: Deer typically browse at a height of 2-6 feet.
Protecting Your Tomato Plants
Preventing deer from feasting on your tomato blossoms requires a multi-pronged approach:
- Fencing: The most reliable solution is a physical barrier. A fence at least 8 feet high is generally recommended to deter deer. Consider electric fencing as a more cost-effective option.
- Repellents: Deer repellents come in various forms, including sprays, granules, and electronic devices. Rotate repellents regularly to prevent deer from becoming accustomed to them. Repellents containing ingredients like garlic, putrescent eggs, or capsaicin are often effective.
- Companion Planting: Certain plants are known to deter deer through their scent or texture. Examples include:
- Marigolds
- Lavender
- Mint
- Onions
- Netting: Drape netting directly over your tomato plants to create a physical barrier that deer cannot easily penetrate.
- Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These devices startle deer with a sudden burst of water, discouraging them from returning.
Understanding Tomato Plant Toxicity
While deer might munch on tomato blossoms, it’s important to note that tomato plants themselves contain compounds that are toxic to deer in large quantities. The glycoalkaloid tomatine is present in the leaves and stems, potentially causing gastrointestinal distress. This is why deer don’t usually devour entire tomato plants, preferring more palatable parts like blossoms.
Alternative Food Sources
Providing deer with alternative food sources away from your tomato plants may help redirect their attention. Consider planting deer-resistant shrubs or trees in a more remote part of your property. Note this option works best in larger areas with significant natural landscape.
Deer Resistance vs. Deer Proofing
It’s important to understand the difference between deer-resistant and deer-proof plants and strategies. Deer-resistant plants are less appealing to deer but may still be eaten if other food sources are scarce. Deer-proof methods, such as fencing, provide a more reliable level of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deer and Tomato Blossoms
Will deer eat green tomatoes?
While deer prefer more palatable options, they may eat green tomatoes, especially if they are desperate for food. However, the high tomatine content usually makes them less desirable than ripe tomatoes or blossoms.
Are some tomato varieties more attractive to deer than others?
There’s limited evidence suggesting significant differences in deer preference among tomato varieties. Deer are generally opportunistic feeders, so variety likely plays a smaller role than overall food availability and individual deer preferences.
How can I tell if deer are eating my tomato plants versus another animal?
Look for the signs of deer damage described earlier: ragged edges on leaves and blossoms, missing blossoms, deer tracks, and droppings. Other pests, like rabbits or groundhogs, tend to make cleaner cuts and leave different types of droppings.
Do deer only eat tomato blossoms in the spring or summer?
Deer are opportunistic feeders year-round. While blossom consumption might be more prevalent in the spring and summer when blossoms are plentiful, deer may browse on them at other times of the year if food is scarce.
Are homemade deer repellent recipes effective?
Some homemade repellents, such as those containing garlic, hot peppers, or eggs, can be effective but often require frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Their effectiveness may also vary depending on the deer population and their desperation for food.
What is the best type of fencing to keep deer out of my garden?
The best fencing is at least 8 feet high and made of woven wire or mesh with small openings. Electric fencing can be a more cost-effective option, but requires regular maintenance to ensure it is functioning properly.
Will motion-activated sprinklers harm deer?
Motion-activated sprinklers are not harmful to deer. They simply startle them with a burst of water, deterring them from entering your garden without causing any physical injury.
Is it safe to eat tomatoes from plants that have been sprayed with deer repellent?
It depends on the specific repellent used. Always read and follow the label instructions carefully. Some repellents are safe to use on edible plants, while others are not. Wash tomatoes thoroughly before eating.
Can I use dogs to deter deer from my garden?
Yes, dogs can be an effective deterrent, especially if they bark and chase deer. However, it’s important to ensure your dog is properly trained and contained to prevent them from damaging your garden themselves or harassing other animals.
Will planting more tomato plants make the damage from deer less noticeable?
While planting more tomatoes might distribute the damage, it won’t necessarily prevent deer from eating the blossoms. It could actually attract them to your garden even more! Focus on implementing preventative measures like fencing and repellents.
Are there any natural predators that will keep deer away from my garden?
In some areas, natural predators like wolves or coyotes can help control deer populations. However, these predators may also pose a threat to pets and livestock. Introducing predators solely to deter deer is generally not recommended.
How often should I reapply deer repellent?
The frequency of reapplication depends on the specific repellent and weather conditions. Generally, you should reapply after rain or irrigation and every few weeks, even if there has been no precipitation. Always consult the product label for specific instructions.