Tempering Tomato Tempation...

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine told me the craziest thing and I just have to share.

Judy lives down in Jacksonville and she said that if you dangle red Christmas tree ornaments on top of your tomato cages at this time of year it will keep our feathered friends from pecking away at the real fruit when it comes in. Now, can you imagine birds nipping at the ornaments? I think their beaks may take a beating. But hey, I'm willing to try it.

Defenders of the Tomato! Which is your top pick?

As a rule I chunk out copious amounts of sunflower seeds for the birds during the fall and winter months because I don't want them to be tempted to take a run at my tomatoes in the summer. It seems to work out pretty well. And now that I think about it, I would probably put out seed in the spring if it weren't for wild hogs running through our yard. Nope, we don't really have pigs but we do have furry tailed squirrels that think our bird feeders are a personal feeding ground. I mean how do those birds even get a few nuggets when you have those hungry varmints hunkered down at the post like it's a buffet.

But, I do sort of have an answer for that, too. Our dog Salty is squirrel trained. Whenever I see sixteen squirrels in the yard I open up the door and say "Salty go get those SQUIRRELS!!!!" Salty is an Australian Shepherd and believe me he's never caught one of the four legged little guys, but believe me both species get a run for their money... ha ha.

So whether you go with the holiday ornaments...or the dog chasing squirrel strategy, happy growing season!!