4. Companion planting and natural deterrents
Basil, marigolds, and garlic near your tomatoes can actually repel certain bugs. Plus, it makes your garden smell amazing. A win-win.
5. Keep things clean
Old fruit, fallen leaves, and overgrown weeds? They’re like the VIP lounge for pests. Keep the area around your tomato plants tidy to discourage squatters.
So… What Should You Do When You Find a Hole?
Here’s the simple game plan:
Check the tomato. Look for signs of bugs, mold, or general grossness.
Cut it open. If the interior looks fine, cut around the damaged area and use the rest.
Toss it if it’s questionable. Don’t risk it if it’s mushy, smells weird, or gives you bad vibes.
Check the plant. If one tomato has holes, there’s a chance others do too.
Treat the problem. Once you’ve ID’d the likely cause, take action—remove pests, add deterrents, fix watering, etc.
Finding a hole in your tomato might be a little gross or disappointing, but it’s definitely not the end of the world. Most of the time, it’s just a sign that something in your garden ecosystem needs a little tweaking. Maybe a bit more attention to watering. Maybe some pest control. Or maybe just a squirrel with a bad attitude.
Either way, now you know what to do, what to look for, and how to stop it from happening again. Tomatoes may be a little high-maintenance at times, but they’re totally worth it. Especially when you’ve grown them yourself.
And hey—if all else f
