Tomato Thief!

SuperGreen

UGH!  The first of our big, slicing tomatoes were just starting to ripen.  I came out this morning to check them, and some animal ate them!  One is half-gnawed off still on the vine and the other is half eaten on the ground I'd been waiting to eat those for months. We have a 3" mesh fence around each bed that wasn't disturbed so I don't think it was the dog, and none of the other plants are damaged.  I can't believe we have a raccoon in our serious slice of surburbia, but it's either that or a very determined squirrel.  Any tips on how to keep whatever it is away?  This definetely happened overnight.  TIA!

CarrieB.

my bet is on squirrels. i've heard that if they are thirsty they will steal tomatoes to get out some of the juices and you should leave out some pans of water near your vegis to keep them out of the tomatoes.

CutesBoots

I've read that spraying coyote urine around the perimeter of your garden will deter pests.  However, I have no clue where you'd go to buy pee.

Lucyboo25

How aggravating! Maybe look at it as doing your civic duty to care for wild animals... I've heard deer urine works and am pretty sure you can get it at Agway or other farmer's co-ops. And if it was a rabbit, I've heard planting marigolds around your veggies also helps keep them away. GL w/ the next batch!

kelbrian

My bet is a squirrel. We have a lot of squirrels, and they have been munching on our garden. I always catch them in the act and chase them :P