The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Growing => Vegetables => Topic started by: cookie on November 09, 2011, 01:52:24 pm

Title: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: cookie on November 09, 2011, 01:52:24 pm
I nipped to the allotment this morning to dig up some carrots and low and behold yet again the tops are there but the bottoms have disappeared.  Tops and bottoms were there at the weekend but since it has rained tunnels have appeared and the carrots have gone!  Could the mice have had a midnight feast?  This is really frustrating as the same thing happened last year.  I don't mind the wildlife having a tasty snack now and then but at least 50% of the crop has disappeared.  Is there anything I can do or do I just grin and bear it.  Help needed please if you can.
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: deepinthewoods on November 09, 2011, 02:13:19 pm
moles?
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: ellisr on November 09, 2011, 02:29:30 pm
I resorted to growing mine in barrels it gives me a good crop I don't have to worry about moles or carrot fly and I can easily re sow when a barrel is empty. TBH honest they look attractive as well spotted around the veg garden area and it frees up ground for other things that the wildlife are less fussed on.
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: MAK on November 09, 2011, 07:52:38 pm
yes - I had the same yesterday but not as bad as you. The large exit tunnels are clearly visible in the garden and I am fully expecting to see a post box outside one of the large holes. There are different small mammals here in France and everyone has an opinion of what animal is eating the veg. Shops are full of anti-carrot eaters treatments. I like the micro-trip wire,detonators and mini explosive charges ( about 5 euro each).

BUT - I have read the best way to tackle the little devils is to urinate down the holes. Best if you are male and short !!  ;D

good luck

 
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: Lesley Silvester on November 09, 2011, 11:19:58 pm

BUT - I have read the best way to tackle the little devils is to urinate down the holes. Best if you are male and short !!  ;D

good luck

 

 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: Plantoid on November 09, 2011, 11:54:19 pm
yes - I had the same yesterday but not as bad as you. The large exit tunnels are clearly visible in the garden and I am fully expecting to see a post box outside one of the large holes. There are different small mammals here in France and everyone has an opinion of what animal is eating the veg. Shops are full of anti-carrot eaters treatments. I like the micro-trip wire,detonators and mini explosive charges ( about 5 euro each).

BUT - I have read the best way to tackle the little devils is to urinate down the holes. Best if you are male and short !!  ;D

good luck

 Or
anything else and use a spouted jug
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: cookie on November 10, 2011, 11:48:53 am
 ;D ;D   love the urinating idea, might get done for exposure though

Will probably try the growing in tubs next time round,did try them in a raised bed one year and the same thing happened but tubs being higher they may not be so tempted - we'll have to wait and see. 

Cheers
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: Blonde on November 26, 2011, 12:20:50 pm
I resorted to growing mine in barrels it gives me a good crop I don't have to worry about moles or carrot fly and I can easily re sow when a barrel is empty. TBH honest they look attractive as well spotted around the veg garden area and it frees up ground for other things that the wildlife are less fussed on.
Could you please put a photo on this site
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: Blonde on November 26, 2011, 12:23:22 pm
yes - I had the same yesterday but not as bad as you. The large exit tunnels are clearly visible in the garden and I am fully expecting to see a post box outside one of the large holes. There are different small mammals here in France and everyone has an opinion of what animal is eating the veg. Shops are full of anti-carrot eaters treatments. I like the micro-trip wire,detonators and mini explosive charges ( about 5 euro each).

BUT - I have read the best way to tackle the little devils is to urinate down the holes. Best if you are male and short !!  ;D

good luck
pee in to a container over night and then go and pour the pee down the hole the next day.... that might solve  your problem........of indecency!! :wave:
Title: Re: carrots eaten. mice?
Post by: ellisr on November 26, 2011, 12:27:06 pm
I resorted to growing mine in barrels it gives me a good crop I don't have to worry about moles or carrot fly and I can easily re sow when a barrel is empty. TBH honest they look attractive as well spotted around the veg garden area and it frees up ground for other things that the wildlife are less fussed on.
Could you please put a photo on this site

Going through a veg patch makeover just now, trying to double the size of growing space so photos will be next year