How Do I Protect My Tomatoes from Birds and Squirrels?
Tomatoes are arguably the easiest starter plant for new gardeners. That is because compared to other plant options, they require little maintenance and tend to yield a decent harvest season after season. Unfortunately, wildlife like birds, squirrels, rabbits, insects, and deer also enjoy this tasty vegetable and can wreak havoc on tomato plants by trying to get a taste. Thankfully, there is an easy way to protect not only your tomatoes but also other valuable vegetables in your garden from this type of damage. Whether you are growing in containers, raised beds, or large plots, understanding the threats and selecting the right protective materials is the key to a successful harvest. Below we have listed out a few of the options that work best to keep your garden safe.
Reliable Barrier Solutions for Garden Protection
When it comes to keeping birds, squirrels, and other animals away from your tomato plants, physical barriers are among the most reliable options. Creating a barrier between your plants and potential pests prevents damage without having to use pesticides or needing to constantly surveil your garden. Garden netting is a great solution as it fully covers the plant without smothering it. For smaller gardens, lightweight mesh can be draped over the entire area to discourage squirrels and birds from trying to get to it, while larger garden areas or individually potted plants might need their own coverings.
Tomato plants also benefit from vertical support structures, which promote healthy growth while keeping fruit off the ground and away from crawling insects. Using support netting with large openings provides both structure and a level of pest prevention. In larger areas where deer, raccoons, or stray animals pose a problem, heavier multi-purpose mesh fencing offers broader coverage without disrupting the natural appearance of your garden.
Products to Help Protect your Garden from Pests
Crop Protection & Bird Netting
This netting is specially designed to protect fruits, vegetables, and seedlings from birds and other small garden pests. Its lightweight, flexible construction makes it easy to use over garden beds, trellises, or fruit trees, while still allowing air and sunlight to reach your plants. Perfect for seasonal use or year-round protection, it’s a reliable solution for maintaining healthy crops without chemicals or traps.
Key Features:
- Lightweight, UV-stabilized mesh for long-lasting use
- Allows sunlight, air, and rain to pass through
- Protects crops without harming birds or animals
- Can be cut to size for different garden layouts
Vegetable Support Netting
Designed to help climbing plants grow upward, this support netting keeps tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, and other climbing plants off the ground while improving airflow and access to sunlight. Its rigid yet flexible grid supports even heavy plants and helps minimize damage from crawling pests and soil-borne diseases. Ideal for raised beds, vertical gardens, or traditional plots.
Key Features:
- Large, uniform mesh openings for plant guidance
- Encourages vertical growth and reduces plant stress
- Reusable from season to season
- Can be tied to stakes, frames, or trellises
Multi-Purpose Fencing
This mesh fencing is a practical choice for gardeners needing perimeter protection from animals like deer, raccoons, or rabbits. Its reinforced structure and unobtrusive design make it perfect for enclosing large areas without impacting your garden’s appearance. Whether you're building a full enclosure or a quick seasonal fence, this option offers flexibility and peace of mind.
Key Features:
- Strong mesh design for deterring larger animals
- Easy to cut, shape, and secure to posts
- Black color blends naturally into garden settings
- Suitable for temporary or long-term setups
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Protecting your tomatoes and other garden plants from birds, squirrels, and other wildlife intruders doesn't have to be complicated. At Tenax Fence, we offer a wide variety of protective solutions that can help keep your garden flourishing year after year. If you have questions about which product is best for your needs or want help choosing the right combination, our team is here to help. Reach out today for expert guidance and start protecting your garden with confidence.
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