Tomatoes being eaten

kerri_gt

So I planted out some little toms yesterday, in a tub, put copper round the edge and netting over the top. Thought I had all bases covered to protect them against being eaten.

This morning I check them and something has munched about five of them :mad: I can't see any obvious slime marks, but what could have got them except slugs? They are by the shed where last years did get eaten until I moved them, but thought the netting and copper could have stopped that.

We have a cat so I'm wary of using pellets. I do know there are field mice in the garden, could they be the culprits?

I guess I could cling film the top like a mini greenhouse tonight and see if that makes a difference?

wattapain

how big were the 'little' toms?

kerri_gt

wattapain wrote: »

how big were the 'little' toms?

Very little, had just sprouted their second leaves. Few cm high each plant.

wattapain

I've never had a slug problem - not with toms anyway!
the critters just love my lettuce though.
But I think they were just too small - I never put them out till they're about 8-10 " tall at least. Grow them on under glass till then.
But if they've been eaten , only thing is to buy plants from the garden centre I'm afraid!
unless you have a friend/neighbour who has a few spares. I always do - I have about 5 spare this year, and if no takers, I will freecycle them.
I'm in Essex - if you're near, you would be welcome to them x
Terri

trollopscarletwoman

Good point from wattapain.

Put a wanted in your local freecycle.

Done that myself in the past.

kerri_gt

Thanks, I don't have a greenhouse to grow them under sadly, and even last year something munched it's way through bigger ones. Luckily I didn't plant them all out in the tub, have some smaller ones in another pot which I can keep until a bit bigger. Going to try cling film tonight to see if that makes a diff.

Unfortunately I'm nowhere near Essex but thanks for the offer xx

Farway

Mine get munched by snails

I use slug pellets, so I do know by number of dead snails just how attractive young toms can be to a hungry snail

kerri_gt

I moved them last night onto the gravel more and covered with cling film, seems there are no more casualties to date so fingers crossed I might get some toms after a dismal start last year.