What It Means If You See These Holes in Tomatoes (And How to Save Your Harvest with Grace)

 Okay, let’s be honest for a moment—have you ever been out in the garden, or perhaps searching through the bottom of your grocery bag, and pulled out what looked to be a nice, plump, juicy tomato… only to find a hole right in the side? It’s just sitting there. I don’t know about you, but my first instinct is to recoil just a bit and say under my breath, “What even are you?”

But before we toss that poor tomato into the compost pile and dramatically turn away (guilty as charged), let’s take a gentle beat. Holes in tomatoes are not all that uncommon, and the reasons behind them are actually quite fascinating—even if the culprits are a little gross sometimes. And if you grow your own tomatoes, you’ve definitely seen some of this weirdness show up uninvited.

Let me take you through why this happens, what it might mean for your beloved tomato babies, and what you’re able to do about it. Because a little hole doesn't have to mean the end of your harvest.

🐛 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 main culprits.

1. Insects (Your Tiny, Hungry Neighbors):