[Calpernia]

>>>>The nicotine is secreted by the plant to ward off critters that might eat it, works on unsuspecting humans too.

Then why on earth are the skunks eating my tomato plants?

[fireforeffect]

Because tomatoes are not tobacco.

Tobacco only does this as it becomes ripe.

For tomatoes, I do not know. 12 gage? .22? Works for me. Watch the wind direction though.

Tomatoes tend to absorb the flavors of other plants around them. They also suck up metals in the soil. Tomatoes are used at Super Fund sites to treat metal (arsenic, lead, chromium, etc.) contaminated soils. I have tried basil, mint, and garlic around tomatoes. Planting tobacco and tomatoes together; interesting concept.

[MamaTexan]

Then why on earth are the skunks eating my tomato plants?

Good cure all for pests- Ex-lax!

My husbands Grandmother had skunks under her house. She paid TWO extermination companies to get rid of them, but the skunks came back again.

Hubby did some research, and a few squares of Ex-lax tossed under the house got rid of the problem for good!

WARNING- Make sure NO pets (or any other animal you want to live) doesn't get into it!

Toss a square or two of Ex-lax at the base of each plant, and it should cure the skunk problem right up in a couple of days. :)