Tomato Cages That Squirrels Can't Get Into

Wire Mesh

• A simple way to squirrel-proof your tomato cage is to wrap the cage in wire mesh, sometimes referred to as hardware cloth. This material resembles heavy gauge screening and comes in a roll. Find it in most home improvement stores. Cut a piece from the roll of sufficient size to wrap around your tomato cage, and wrap your cage, securing the wire mesh using wire twist ties. Be careful to tightly wire the mesh closed where it doubles back on itself to prevent a squirrel slipping through.

Secure to Ground

• Securing your tomato cage to the ground using stakes is absolutely crucial to keeping the animals away from your tomatoes. Squirrels will happily lift a tomato cage to gain access to your vegetables. Burying your cage at least one level deep is ideal, but securely staking them to the ground can often serve as ample deterrent to make critters look elsewhere for their next meal.

Plant Maintenance

• Take care to ensure that all of the flowering branches that will eventually contain tomatoes stay inside the cage. If the plant begins to outgrow the cage, consider upgrading to a larger model or cover your plant in squirrel netting and secure it to the ground. Keep your tomatoes in the cages and up off the ground and they should be out of reach of the squirrels.

Offer Other Options

• If you are facing a tenacious squirrel problem, with the rodents chewing through your netting and still reaching your tomatoes, you may have to strike a compromise. Putting some peanuts out for them or hanging a bird feeder from which they can poach the occasional sunflower might be all you need to divert their attention away from your vegetable garden.