What It Looks Like:
- Large, irregular holes or gouges in the fruit.
- Chewed leaves or stems nearby.
- You may spot green caterpillars (like tomato hornworms) on the plant.
What It Means:
Caterpillars are voracious eaters and love munching on tomatoes. Tomato hornworms, in particular, are large, green caterpillars that blend in with the plant.
How to Fix It:
- Handpick Caterpillars: Inspect your plants daily and remove any caterpillars by hand. Drop them into soapy water to dispose of them.
- Use Organic Pesticides: Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacterial spray that targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects.
- Attract Beneficial Insects: Encourage parasitic wasps, which prey on hornworms, by planting flowers like marigolds or dill nearby.
2. Slugs or Snails
What It Looks Like:
- Small, shallow holes with irregular edges.
- Slimy trails on the fruit or surrounding soil.
What It Means:
Slugs and snails are nocturnal pests that feed on ripe or ripening tomatoes, leaving behind slimy evidence of their presence.
How to Fix It:
- Remove Hiding Spots: Clear debris, mulch, or weeds around the base of the plant where slugs and snails hide.
- Use Traps: Place shallow dishes of beer near the plants—slugs are attracted to the yeast and will drown in the liquid.
- Apply Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle this natural powder around the base of the plants to deter slugs and snails.
3. Bird Pecking
What It Looks Like:
- Small, clean holes, often near the top or side of the fruit.
- No signs of chewing or slime.
What It Means:
Birds, especially during dry spells, may peck at tomatoes to access moisture.
How to Fix It:
- Use Netting: Cover your plants with bird netting to protect the fruit.
- Provide Water Sources: Set up a birdbath or water source away from your garden to distract birds.
- Harvest Early: Pick tomatoes when they’re just starting to ripen and let them finish ripening indoors.
4. Cracking or Splitting (Followed by Pest Damage)
What It Looks Like:
- Cracks or splits in the skin, with holes appearing later.
What It Means:
Tomatoes crack due to uneven watering (e.g., heavy rain after drought), and pests or diseases take advantage of the openings.
How to Fix It:
- Water Consistently: Keep the soil evenly moist to prevent cracking. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses for steady moisture.
- Mulch the Soil: Apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Harvest Quickly: Pick cracked tomatoes immediately to prevent secondary pest damage.
5. Stink Bug or Beetle Damage
What It Looks Like:
- Small, sunken spots or holes that look like punctures.
- Discoloration around the damaged area.
What It Means:
Stink bugs and beetles pierce the tomato skin to suck out juices, leaving behind unsightly marks.
How to Fix It:
- Inspect Plants Regularly: Look for stink bugs (shield-shaped insects) or beetles and remove them by hand.
- Use Row Covers: Protect young plants with lightweight row covers until they start flowering.
- Apply Neem Oil: Spray neem oil on the plants to repel stink bugs and other pests.
6. Blossom End Rot (Not Pests, But Still Causes Holes)
What It Looks Like:
- Dark, sunken spots at the bottom of the tomato that may eventually rot and create holes.
What It Means:
Blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency or inconsistent watering, leading to tissue collapse.
How to Fix It:
- Test Your Soil: Check for calcium levels and amend with lime or gypsum if needed.
- Water Evenly: Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
- Remove Affected Tomatoes: Pick and discard tomatoes with blossom end rot to prevent spreading issues.
7. Rodent Damage
What It Looks Like:
- Large, gnawed holes with teeth marks.
- Fruit may be partially eaten or hollowed out.
What It Means:
Rodents like squirrels, chipmunks, or rats may nibble on ripe tomatoes.
How to Fix It:
- Use Fencing: Install wire mesh or hardware cloth around your garden to keep rodents out.
- Harvest Early: Pick tomatoes before they’re fully ripe to avoid attracting rodents.
- Eliminate Food Sources: Remove fallen fruits or other food sources that might attract rodents.
Final Thoughts
Holes in tomatoes can stem from a variety of causes, ranging from pests like caterpillars and slugs to environmental factors like cracking or nutrient deficiencies. The key is to identify the specific problem based on the appearance of the damage and take targeted action. With proper care, consistent watering, and pest management, you can protect your tomato plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Your turn! Have you ever dealt with holes in your tomatoes? Share your experience or tips for solving the problem below. 🍅