What to Do if Your Neighbor is Stealing From Your Garden (7 Tips)

Your garden is your space. You put in the work—planting, watering, weeding, watching, and waiting. So when your neighbor starts helping themselves to your tomatoes, herbs, or squash without permission, it’s not just annoying—it’s theft. And no, you’re not being dramatic for wanting it to stop.

This guide will walk you through clear, calm steps to handle the situation without escalating it unnecessarily. You don’t have to be rude, but you do need to be direct. If you didn’t give permission, they shouldn’t be picking from your garden. Period.

Why it matters (even if it’s “just a few vegetables”)

Some people will act like you’re overreacting—“It’s just a tomato” or “I only took a handful of green beans.” But here’s the thing: you didn’t grow that food so someone else could treat it like a public buffet. The principle matters, and so does your time and effort. Letting this slide invites further entitlement, and chances are, it won’t stop at one tomato. Respect starts with boundaries, even in the garden.

What to do if your neighbor is stealing from your garden

1. Confirm it’s actually happening

Before taking action, make 100% sure the missing produce isn’t due to something else. Rabbits, squirrels, and birds can be sneaky. Sometimes family members pick things and forget to mention it. But if the produce keeps disappearing and the signs point to a human culprit, it’s time to take a closer look.

Install a motion-activated camera that covers your garden area. You don’t need anything fancy, just a basic Wi-Fi security cam like or Blink Outdoor will do the job. Place it somewhere discreet but with a clear view of your plants. If someone is taking from your garden, you’ll have proof, which can be helpful later if you need to escalate things.

2. Address the issue calmly and directly

Once you know who’s doing it, talk to them. Keep it calm, polite, and direct. Avoid accusations like “You’re stealing from me,” and instead stick to the facts. Even though your neighbors may be quick to accuse… rise above their level of pettiness.

You could say: I’ve noticed vegetables going missing from my garden, and I believe you’ve picked some without asking. Please don’t do that. I put a lot of time and effort into this, and it’s important that you respect that.

Keep the conversation brief and private. Don’t start a public confrontation. Give them a chance to respond—maybe they genuinely didn’t think it was a big deal—but make it clear that it’s not okay with you. Be firm, not emotional.

3. Offer a boundary with grace (if you’re open to it)

If you’re someone who doesn’t mind sharing produce occasionally, you can offer a more controlled alternative that still enforces your strict boundary.

You could say something like: We really just grow enough for our family, but if you like my veggies, just ask and I’ll be happy to pick some for you if there is extra.

Or: I hear the farmer’s market on Elm St. has great produce if you’re ever looking for more variety.

This sends a clear message… they don’t have permission to take, but you’re not trying to start a war. You’re open to kindness… on your terms. A reasonable neighbor would accept this gracious offer, an entitled jerk might not. This is a surefire way to find out which you are dealing with.

4. Put up a sign to make expectations clear

Some neighbors act like they didn’t know it was off-limits. A sign removes any ambiguity. You don’t need to post a “No trespassing” warning (unless things are serious), but a friendly garden sign works wonders.

Try something like: This is a private garden. Please do not pick without asking. Or: Look, don’t pick! Ask first.

You can find decorative garden markers online or at your local nursery. Pick something that reflects your personality but still communicates a boundary. The goal is friendly firmness.

5. Make your garden less accessible

Sometimes, the easiest solution is to reduce temptation. If your garden is right on the edge of your property or highly visible from the sidewalk, it’s an open invitation for opportunists.

Move high-value plants (like tomatoes or berries) closer to your home, behind a fence, or into raised beds with edging. Use garden arches, trellises, or even thorny companion plants to make “harvesting” less convenient. If they can’t reach it easily, they’re less likely to take it. Or, if it takes them longer it’s more likely that you catch them in the act.

6. Install visible security (real or fake)

If you haven’t already added a camera, now might be the time. Even if you don’t want to record anything, the simple presence of a camera or video doorbell facing the garden can be enough to deter casual theft.

Fake cameras are inexpensive and surprisingly effective. Mount one with a blinking LED or a sticker that says “Recording in Progress.” People behave differently when they think they’re being watched.

If you go with a real camera, make sure it’s positioned legally (facing your own property) and stores footage in case you need it later.

7. Escalate only if absolutely necessary

If your neighbor continues to take from your garden after you’ve asked them to stop, that’s when it’s time to escalate—but carefully. If you live in an HOA community, report the issue to them first. Document the date of each complaint and what action was taken.

For more serious or repeated violations, especially if there’s trespassing or damage, you can file a non-emergency report with your local police department. Be sure you have documentation (photos, camera footage, or written notes) to support your claim. You’re not calling the cops over vegetables. You’re drawing a line around your personal property.

Final thoughts

Your garden is yours. Just because it’s visible doesn’t mean it’s public. You don’t owe anyone free produce. You’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to set rules. And you’re allowed to defend the work you put into every squash, tomato, and herb on your property.

So don’t ignore it. Don’t let it keep happening. Be calm, be clear, and stand your ground. The neighbor can get their own tomatoes.