The Deer ate my Sunflowers!
Fri, 06/26/2009 - 20:38 — McPenguin5
I planted my seeds in a nice sunny place in my backyard, next to a fence. I was pleased to see that some (not all) of the seeds were growing, and I checked on them regularly. Cheering them on. Well, yesterday morning I went out to find that the deer had eatten the plants down to the ground. they didn't even get a chance to make flowers! The deer ate my rosebushes last year, but I thought that, since I had stopped trying to grow tomatoes I wouldn't be attracting them anymore. I feel terrible. I guess I can't participate now, no sunflowers :-( Sniff.
Same here
I had but one plant that had self-seeded from last year. The first bloom was about to open and then deer came for a visit. One night they ate a few of the bigger leaves and I thought a bullet had been dodged--the flower remained along with most of the smaller leaves. Then two nights later they paid a return visit. The one bloom and most of the rest of the leaves are gone. Not much left but a stalk and a few bare branches sticking out of it.
deer
I have used Liquid Fence with great success. The deer population here on the island is very distructive. A light mesh thrown over the garden works well, also. I use the mesh intended for fruit trees. You need to make sure the flowers don't grow through it by "fluffing" in occassionally. Mine has lasted 9 years so far.