Do Groundhogs Eat Tomato Plants? Yes – Here's How to Stop Them

By Tom Anderson · February 24, 2026

Yes, groundhogs do eat tomato plants. These herbivorous rodents commonly feed on garden vegetables, and tomatoes are a frequent target due to their soft texture and high water content.

Why Groundhogs Are Attracted to Tomato Plants

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are primarily herbivores with a diet that includes a wide variety of vegetation. Tomato plants are particularly appealing because they offer tender leaves, juicy fruits, and easy access near the ground—ideal for a foraging groundhog.

Key Reasons Tomato Plants Are Vulnerable

Low-growing fruit within easy reach
High moisture content in ripe tomatoes
Soft foliage that is easy to chew
Common placement in home gardens with minimal barriers

Signs Your Tomato Plants Are Being Eaten by Groundhogs

If you suspect groundhog activity, look for these telltale signs:

Large, clean bites taken out of ripening tomatoes
Entire fruits missing or dragged away
Chewed stems or broken branches at ground level
Fresh burrow entrances near garden edges (often 10–12 inches in diameter)
Droppings resembling small pellets near feeding areas

Groundhog Diet: What Else They Eat

While tomato plants are a favorite, groundhogs consume a broad range of plant materials depending on seasonal availability.

Plant Type	Consumption Frequency	Preferred Season	Part Eaten
Tomato Plants	High	Summer	Fruit, Leaves
Beans	High	Summer	Pods, Leaves
Lettuce	Very High	Spring–Summer	Leaves
Corn	Moderate	Late Summer	Kernels, Stalks
Grasses	High	Spring–Fall	Stems, Blades
Tree Bark	Low	Winter	Inner Bark

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that groundhogs prefer leafy greens and summer vegetables like tomatoes and beans. Their feeding habits shift seasonally, with a strong emphasis on succulent garden crops during warm months.

How to Protect Tomato Plants from Groundhogs

Effective prevention combines physical barriers, deterrents, and habitat modification.

Proven Protection Strategies

Fencing: Install 4-foot-high wire mesh fencing buried 12 inches underground to prevent digging.
Repellents: Use taste-based repellents containing capsaicin or putrescent egg solids, reapplied after rain.
Trapping: Live traps can be used legally in many areas—check local regulations before relocating.
Remove Cover: Clear brush, woodpiles, and tall grass near gardens to reduce shelter options.
Companion Planting: Grow marigolds or garlic around tomatoes to naturally deter groundhogs.

FAQ About Groundhogs and Tomato Plants

Do groundhogs only eat the fruit of tomato plants?

No, groundhogs eat both the fruit and the foliage. They often start with the leaves and stems before moving to the ripe tomatoes, especially when fruits are low to the ground.

What time of day do groundhogs eat tomato plants?

Groundhogs are diurnal and most active in the early morning and late afternoon, which is when they typically feed on garden plants including tomatoes.

Can groundhogs climb tomato cages or trellises?

Yes, while not expert climbers, groundhogs can scale low trellises or cages to reach higher fruit. Elevating plants alone is not a reliable deterrent.

Are there tomato varieties that repel groundhogs?

No tomato variety is completely resistant, but some anecdotal evidence suggests that bitter-tasting heirlooms or cherry tomatoes with tougher skins may be less appealing.

How fast can a groundhog destroy a tomato plant?

A single groundhog can severely damage or destroy a mature tomato plant in one night, especially if it has discovered a reliable food source and returns repeatedly.