Mysterious mint eater

Lynne126

Hi this is my first post and I am hoping someone can help solve this for me.

A few days ago I planted out 3 different mint plants  in a container approx 18" high in compost with a covering of chipped bark..The next morning all 3 had been completely eaten down to the roots.

I have looked up possible culprits

1 Rats but they apparently won't go near mint and it's use in warding them off is recommended widely. 

2 slugs/snails but they are supposed to dislike them as much as rats.

3 Hedgehogs but they only eat a leaf or to as an appitite stimulant...

In short I am baffled as to what has eaten them and would welcome any suggestions as to how to protect future mint plants

Kind regards

Lynne 

BobTheGardener

Rabbits, woodpigeons?

Last edited: 13 May 2017 10:38:52

Fairygirl

Rabbits, I'd have thought would be the most likely. They'll have a go at anything.

Lynne126

No we can rule out rabbits as is small walled urban garden.Thanks anyway for your reply 

Buttercupdays

Lambs? Things in my garden get eaten by them anyway!

raisingirl

mice? I was told that rabbits won't eat mint - they do. So the fact that rats and other rodents aren't supposed to eat it doesn't mean they don't - and especially when it's young and tender, I would rule out slugs, either. A dressing of grit will probably deter slugs enough if it's not high on their menu choices. With mice and rats, getting the planter off the ground may help.

Lynne126

Thanks will try the grit when we plant another one.