Something eating plants - Ask Extension
I bought a bunch of herbs and had on my patio to plant next day.. came home and all gone.. stalks appear cut at an angle.. then planted peppers and gr...
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Something eating plants #754685
Asked June 07, 2021, 10:32 PM EDT
I bought a bunch of herbs and had on my patio to plant next day.. came home and all gone.. stalks appear cut at an angle.. then planted peppers and green beans and again plants destroyed.. peppers cut at angle and laying in raised bed.. what is destroying my plants?
Jefferson County Colorado
Expert Response
You may have a problem with rabbits. Rabbits can cut stems at a 45 degree angle overnight. The cut will generally be clean and not ragged.
CSU reference to rabbits: https://extension.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/COMPLETE-6.520-Preventing-Deer-Damage.pdf
Minnesota Extension reference for rabbits: https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/plant/annualperennial/zinnia/leavesholesorchewed.html
CSU plant talk article on rabbits: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/wildlife-issues/2305-ravishing-rabbit-revenge/
Thank you!