That little hole in your tomato is rarely random\u2014it\u2019s a message. Most of the time, it\u2019s insects turning your plants into a snack bar, birds and squirrels \u201ctaste-testing,\u201d or stress-related growth issues like cracking or catfacing that open the door to pests and rot. The key is slowing down long enough to inspect: look for chew marks, frass (bug poop), mold, sliminess, or movement inside the fruit before you decide whether to keep or toss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you\u2019ve played detective, the power shifts back to you. Netting and garden fabric can shut down bird and squirrel raids. Regular plant checks, companion planting with basil or marigolds, and even watering prevent splits and weak spots that invite trouble. Cleaning up fallen fruit and debris keeps pests from setting up camp. In the end, a holey tomato doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ve failed\u2014it just means your garden is talking. Now you know how to listen, and how to fight back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
That little hole in your tomato is rarely random\u2014it\u2019s a message. Most of the time, it\u2019s insects turning your plants into a snack bar, birds and squirrels \u201ctaste-testing,\u201d or stress-related … <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":18078,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-18077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n