The squirrels picked my neighbors tomato plants clean. They took all of the tomatoes when they were green, just starting to lighten in color.

They got one of mine so far, and I don't want to loose more tomatoes. Can you recommend a way to protect them?

Here are the options I thought of .....

1. I could put bird netting around the plants. I think that would be able to keep the squirrels out.

2. I could pick the tomatoes as soon as they start to show any sign of turning red and then let them ripen in the house.

Thoughts or alternatives are appreciated!