Marigolds Being Eaten - Knowledgebase Question

Olathe, KS
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Question by ericd3
April 17, 2000
I have tried planting marigolds in my vegtable garden, but they are quickly being devoured up. It seems that whatever is doing this does not care for the actual flower part they just go for the green stems and leaves. There is a fence, so it could not be rabbits. I have read others suggesting it is slugs, but I don't see any evidence such as trails left behind. Could it be a bird or what? Any suggestions?


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Answer from NGA
April 17, 2000
My first guess would have been slugs (or snails), then birds, and finally mice or other small rodents although birds are another possibility. For snails, which leave less of a trail than slugs, you might try diatomaceous earth. For small critters, you might try a repellent spray such as a home-made garlic and/or pepper based concoction or one of the commercially prepared sprays. For birds, you might try the scare lines, an inflatable eye, or thick fishing line strung above the plants to confuse their depth perception. With some careful observation at different times of the day (and night) you might be able to discover the culprit!

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