Okay, real talk—have you ever been in your garden or at the bottom of your grocery bag, pulled out what looked like a perfectly juicy, plump tomato… and then, bam! A hole. Just sitting there like it owns the place. I don’t know about you, but my first instinct is to recoil just a bit and whisper, “What even are you?”
But before we toss that poor tomato in the compost and walk away dramatically (guilty), let’s take a beat. Holes in tomatoes are surprisingly common, and the reasons behind them are actually kind of fascinating—gross sometimes, sure—but fixable. And if you grow your own, you’ve definitely seen this weirdness show up uninvited.
Let me walk you through why this happens, what it might mean for your precious tomato babies, and what you can actually do about it.
What Causes Holes in Tomatoes, Anyway?
Let’s start with the obvious: something poked, chewed, or munched its way into that tomato. It didn’t happen by accident. Most of the time, it’s one of these three culprits:
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.
3. Physical Damage or Growing Issues
Sometimes it’s not even a pest. It could be weather stress, handling, or internal defects like blossom end rot or even something called catfacing (yes, that’s a real thing). Weird name, I know. But it can cause deformities and holes in the tomato flesh.
If you’re noticing strange scarring, craters, or holes that look more like growth defects than bite marks, take a look into catfacing on tomatoes. It’s surprisingly common and usually caused by cold temps during flowering.
Is It Safe to Eat a Tomato with a Hole in It?
Here’s the million-dollar question: can you still eat it?
Short answer: maybe.
If the hole is small and you don’t see any insects still inside (ew), and the inside of the tomato looks fresh—no mold, no sliminess, no funky smells—then yes, it’s probably safe. Just cut around the damaged area and use the rest.
That said, if the hole is large, soggy, moldy, or just gives off horror movie vibes? Toss it. Better safe than sorry.
I made the mistake once of trying to salvage a tomato with what looked like a tiny surface hole. Turns out it was a tunnel. And I’ll just say… there was movement inside. I screamed. Like, dropped-it-and-ran kind of scream. Lesson learned
How to Prevent Holes in Your Tomatoes
Alright, now that we’ve emotionally processed the hole-in-the-tomato situation, let’s talk prevention. Because honestly? Losing your best tomatoes to bugs or birds is just rude.
1. Inspect your plants regularly
I know, I know—easier said than done when life’s busy. But even a quick daily glance can help you catch pests before they go full zombie apocalypse on your crop. Look for chewed leaves, droppings, or eggs under the leaves.
2. Water your plants evenly
Weirdly, irregular watering can also lead to issues like cracking and other vulnerabilities. Sudden surges of water (especially after a dry spell) can cause the fruit to split. And splits? They’re like an open invitation to bugs and bacteria.
If you’ve dealt with splitting tomatoes before, you know how frustrating it is. Check out these simple tips for how to stop tomatoes from splitting to get ahead of that.
3. Use netting or garden fabric
This is my go-to for keeping out birds and squirrels. Just drape some lightweight mesh over your plants and secure it. You’ll feel like a tomato bodyguard. Plus, your fruit stays safe without harming the critters.
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.
