I put in snow pea seeds a couple of weeks ago and the seedlings duly emerged but something is eating them right back to the root. What could this be and what can be done?
19 Sep 13 Green Finger (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I had the exact same problem. I had the garden surrounded with chicken wire, and bird netting over the top to keep out wallabies and possums. It wasn't until I draped the bird netting around the chicken wire on the sides that IT stopped eating my snow peas. Must have been either birds, or rodents small enough to get through chicken wire.
snails and slugs also love these when young. I put plastic bottles over to protect along with coffee grounds for defence. plant in bulk, 3 per hole. thin when strong.
Possums? (They love their fresh greens!) Physical protection like chicken wire keeps them away. If you have mulch right up to the stems it could be slaters. Since I discovered this (I actually caught them in the act!) I just keep the mulch away till the plants are strong and sturdy. For shorter tender plants like lettuce, adding a physical barrier like a cut-down milk or soft drink bottle also helps (and helps keeping off snails & slugs too).
This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department.
The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.