1. Insects (a.k.a. your tiny sworn enemies)
This is the number one offender. Tomato fruitworms, hornworms, stink bugs, beetles—you name it. They’re all out here acting like your garden is a 24/7 buffet.
I remember one summer when I finally got my tomato plants looking gorgeous. I was watering them one morning when I saw this massive green hornworm just chilling on a branch like he paid rent. Not only had he chomped through a few leaves, but he’d also made himself at home inside a tomato. I was horrified. And impressed? But mostly horrified.
These pests chew or bore tiny to gaping holes into tomatoes, leaving behind a mess and possibly some internal damage. The real kicker? Sometimes the outside looks almost fine… until you slice it open.
2. Birds or Squirrels (because they’re jerks sometimes)
Birds and squirrels are cute until they’re not. A few pecks here, a bite there—and next thing you know, your tomato looks like it was used as target practice. Birds are especially attracted to red, ripening fruit, and if you’re dealing with drought, they may be pecking your tomatoes for water.
Pro tip: if you see peck marks near the top of the fruit and it’s mostly untouched, it’s probably a bird. If half the tomato is gone? Blame a squirrel.
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