Tomato Cage To Keep Squirrels Out

If you’re tired of squirrels stealing your tomatoes before they even ripen, you need a solid plan. One of the most effective physical barriers is a tomato cage to keep squirrels out. This article will show you how to use and modify standard cages for maximum protection, plus give you other smart strategies to defend your garden.

Squirrels are clever and persistent. They’ll climb, jump, and chew through weak defenses. A tomato cage alone might not be enough if it’s not properly fortified. But with a few adjustments, it can become the core of a squirrel-proof fortress for your precious plants.

Let’s look at how to choose, set up, and upgrade your cages to create a garden that squirrels will finally leave alone.

A standard tomato cage is a good starting point, but think of it as a skeleton. On its own, the wide openings are easy for squirrels to squeeze through. Your job is to add layers that make it impassable.

The key is to combine the cage with other materials. This creates a barrier that stops climbers and protects both the fruit and the plant itself. It’s a more targeted approach than trying to fence your entire garden.

Choosing the Right Cage for the Job

Not all tomato cages are created equal. For squirrel proofing, you need strong and tall ones.

Material: Choose heavy-duty steel or coated metal. Avoid flimsy, thin-wire cages that can be bent easily. Squirrels have strong teeth and can damage weak materials.
Height and Width: Get the tallest cage you can find. Squirrels are excellent jumpers. A taller cage gives you more room to add height extensions. Wider bases are also more stable.
Grid Size: Look for cages with a smaller grid pattern. The typical large, vertical openings on cheap cages are useless. A tighter grid is harder to climb and gives you better support for adding netting.

How to Fortify Your Tomato Cage

This is the step-by-step process to turn a basic cage into a squirrel-proof zone.

Wrap the Sides: Use hardware cloth (a stiff wire mesh) or plastic bird netting. Wrap it securely around the outside of the cage from top to bottom. Use zip ties or wire to attach it every few inches. Make sure there are no gaps larger than 1 inch.
Create a Top: This is the most important step. Squirrels attack from above. Create a separate lid or dome out of the same mesh or netting. Attach it to the top of the cage with clips or more zip ties so you can still open it for harvesting.
Secure the Bottom: Bury the edges of the mesh or secure it to the ground with landscape staples. This prevents squirrels from digging underneath the barrier. Don’t forget this part!
Add a Slippery Barrier: For extra security, wrap the lower 12 inches of the outside with a smooth material like sheet metal or even a plastic sleeve. This can prevent squirrels from getting a grip to start climbing.

Alternative Cage Materials

You aren’t limited to store-bought cages. Get creative with these ideas:

Livestock Panels: Cut and bend a section of sturdy livestock panel into a cylinder. This provides a very strong structure with a good grid for attaching coverings.
DIY PVC and Netting: Build a cube frame from PVC pipes and drape netting over it, securing it on all sides. This is lightweight and customizable.
Recycled Objets: An old wire laundry basket with a lid can work for a single, smaller plant in a pinch.

Beyond the Cage: Integrated Protection

A fortified cage is your main defense, but combine it with other tactics for a complete strategy.

Distract and Feed Them Elsewhere

Sometimes the easiest method is to give squirrels their own food source far from your garden.

Set up a squirrel feeder stocked with corn or nuts on the opposite side of your yard.
This can keep them busy and less intrested in your tomatoes.

Use Natural Repellents

These can add an extra layer of discomfort around your caged plants.

Capsaicin Spray: Make a spray from blended hot peppers and water (wear gloves!). Apply it to the outside of the cage and the ground around it. Reapply after rain.
Predator Scents: Commercial repellents with fox or coyote urine can create a fear zone. Apply to stakes or cotton balls near the garden perimeter.
Mint and Garlic: Planting these strong-smelling herbs around your tomato bed can help mask the scent of ripening fruit.

Employ Physical Deterrents

Make the area around the cage uncomfortable or surprising.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These startle squirrels with a sudden burst of water. They are highly effective for patrolling a larger area.
Spinning or Wobbly Toppers: Attach a plastic pinwheel or a lightweight, unstable object to the top of the cage. The movement and noise can deter climbers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with a good plan, small oversights can give squirrels the advantage.

Leaving Gaps: A gap of even an inch and a half is an open door. Check your fortifications regularly for holes or loose ties.
Forgetting the Harvest: If you leave ripe tomatoes on the plant to long, the scent becomes stronger and persistence increases. Harvest promptly.
Using Weak Netting: Squirrels can chew through plastic bird netting if it’s the only barrier. Always pair it with a sturdy cage structure for support.
Neglecting Cleanup: Fallen fruit or vegetables around the garden attract squirrels. Keep the area clean so they aren’t drawn in.

Long-Term Garden Planning

Think about your garden layout with pest protection in mind from the start.

Place tomato plants closer to the house or in areas with more human activity.
Consider a fully enclosed garden box with a wire mesh top for the ultimate protection.
Plant a few “sacrificial” crops like sunflowers at the edge of your property to pull squirrels away from your main veggie plot.

FAQ: Squirrel-Proof Garden Protection

Q: Will a regular tomato cage stop squirrels?
A: No, a regular cage won’t stop them. The openings are to large and there’s no top. You must fortify it with mesh and a secure lid.

Q: What is the best mesh for keeping squirrels out?
A: Hardware cloth (wire mesh) with 1/2-inch or 1/4-inch grid is best. It’s to tough for them to chew through and they can’t squeeze through the holes.

Q: Do coffee grounds repel squirrels?
A: The evidence is mostly anecdotal. While some gardeners swear by it, it’s not a reliable standalone method. It’s better used as part of a broader strategy.

Q: How high can a squirrel jump?
A: Squirrels can jump 4 to 5 feet vertically and up to 8 feet horizontally. This is why tall cages and covered tops are absolutly necessary.

Q: Will squirrels eat green tomatoes?
A: Yes, they often take bites out of green tomatoes, maybe for water. They seem to prefer ripe ones, but they’ll damage any stage if hungry or thirsty.

Protecting your tomatoes from squirrels takes a multi-layered approach. A fortified tomato cage to keep squirrels out is your strongest single tool. By choosing a sturdy cage, wrapping it thoroughly, adding a secure top, and supporting it with repellents and distractions, you can finally enjoy the fruits of your labor. Consistency is key—check your defenses often and make adjustments as needed. With these methods, you’ll have a much more peaceful and productive garden season.