0
points
What ate my seedlings!?

General    USA

I have been hardening off my seedlings for a few hours outside each day and when I went to bring them in today, something had eaten the tops off them! I haven’t seen any rabbits in the garden, what could have done this?


Posted by: Maggie Muffins (1 point) Maggie Muffins
Posted: April 18, 2013


chris hedding commented,
could be birds.
almost 11 years ago.

Susan League, UF/IFAS Sumter Program Assistant commented,
What kind of seedlings are these? Rabbits are usually out early, early morning and just as it is getting dark.
Did the leaves just disappear? That's usually what happens with rabbits; the leaves are just missing. Or are the leaves obviously chewed?

almost 11 years ago.

dennis craig commented,
my property is surronded by mature hardwood trees hence i have a large population of squirrel "friends "..........these little critters have eaten me out of house and home. they will completely stritp the trunk of the tomato plant of leaves and limbs............my solution for this problem is an equal mixture of cinnimon and ground cayne pepper sprinkled around the plant and a lite sprinkling on the leaves......dosent hurt the plants and i love to see the little thiefs sulking off and giving me the bird as they leave
almost 7 years ago.



Answers

2
points
Hungry critters just love tasty little seedlings in the spring! I recommend putting seedlings in an area that you can keep a close eye on them, such as your patio or stoop. Put them outside on a table rather than the ground. Bring them in if you need to leave the house - good advice to protect against a torrential spring downpour as well! Grow your seedlings under fluorescent light fixtures. Seedlings only need to be outside for periods of time to gradually harden them off to the wind/temps when it is almost time to plant them. The main growing should be done indoors under lights.


Posted by: Brick House Acres (9 points) Brick House Acres
Posted: April 19, 2013




0
points
All kinds of critters could have done this, rats, squirrels, mice, rabbits, woodchucks, even some birds.


Posted by: Early Morning Farm (3 points) Early Morning Farm
Posted: April 19, 2013




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