Middle Of The Night "Guest"

As you know Fran is a master gardner. Having a beautiful garden to him is a dream come true. Well last year we had armadillos that came to visit, not only in the garden, but under the house, in the flower gardens and digging holes in the yard so deep I was afraid to walk out there for fear of falling.
This year I haven't seen tracks of armadillos, but Fran's garden has slowly but surely started to disappear. First the green beans. We were able to get a huge "crop" to can, but still all of a sudden the plants had had a hair cut. All the plants had their tops chewed off. So Fran pulled all the plants up, pulled the beans that remained and gave them away.
This morning he came in with a mixture of anger and discouragement. He said that the deer had been eating the huge tomatos that were on the plants. Not only that, but they also ate the tops of the plants. Of course, that will stunt the growth of future tomatos. The plants may die or the deer have probably told all the relatives about what wonderful tomatos those people on the hill have!
I think what is interesting is that the huge crop of cucumbers remain untouched. I wonder why that is.  Well I have researched and researched what to do to keep deer out of your garden. Oh good grief. There are so many things; rotten eggs, pie tins, ivory soap, and purchased stuff that costs a fortune. Our luck it would rain right after we put that stuff out.
We would give up and buy canned tomatos but they just aren't as good. Do any of you have sure fire things that prevent those pesky beautiful brown eyed guests to eat somewhere else?