Deer are a common sight for many home gardeners, often leading to concerns about plant damage. A frequent question is whether deer can eat cherry tomatoes and if they are safe for consumption.
Safety for Deer
Cherry tomatoes, like all tomatoes, belong to the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. While the ripe fruit is generally safe for deer to consume, the plant’s foliage, stems, and unripe fruits contain glycoalkaloids such as solanine and tomatine. These compounds can be mildly toxic if ingested in large amounts.
Eating significant quantities of tomato leaves or stems can lead to digestive upset in deer, with symptoms including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. However, severe poisoning is rare, as deer would need to eat a substantial volume of the plant’s vegetative parts for serious harm. The risk is primarily associated with extensive browsing on the plant itself, rather than on the ripe fruit.
Deer Preferences and Consumption
Deer are opportunistic foragers, consuming a variety of available plant material. While cherry tomatoes are not typically a preferred food source compared to options like lettuce or sweet corn, deer will eat them. This is particularly true when natural food sources are scarce, such as during droughts, as tomato fruits have a high water content. Deer may also target cherry tomatoes if they are easily accessible or if the local deer population is high.
When deer feed on tomato plants, they leave distinct signs. Their lack of upper incisors means they tear rather than cleanly cut leaves and stems, resulting in ragged edges on damaged foliage. They frequently browse new, tender growth and plant tops, typically at a height of 3 to 4 feet. Deer often feed during dawn and dusk.
Protecting Your Plants
Protecting cherry tomato plants from deer requires a multi-faceted approach, with physical barriers often being the most effective. Installing a fence around your garden is a reliable deterrent, ideally at least 8 feet high, as deer are capable jumpers. Options include traditional metal wire fencing, poly netting, or electric fences, which deliver a mild, repelling shock. For smaller areas, a 4-foot micro-enclosure around a 16-foot by 16-foot patch can also be effective by making deer feel confined.
Deer repellents offer another layer of protection, working by taste or scent. Both commercial and homemade solutions are available. Homemade options include sprays made from rotten eggs, garlic, and water, which create a strong odor. Other effective repellents utilize cayenne pepper, blood meal, or essential oils like mint, rosemary, or lavender. Reapply these repellents regularly, especially after rain, and alternate types, as deer can become accustomed to specific scents.
Companion planting can also deter deer. Surround cherry tomatoes with plants deer typically avoid, such as those with strong odors, bitter tastes, or fuzzy or thorny textures. Examples include chives, mint, rosemary, sage, marigolds, and daffodils. A recommended strategy is to plant at least three deer-resistant plants for every one deer-prone plant, interspersing them throughout the garden. Keeping the garden tidy by removing fallen fruit and spending regular time in the garden can also discourage deer.