Baby leeks eaten

[brooklynodog]

My baby leeks, newly planted out in my allotment, seem to have attracted some attention from something that has nipped out the tops just above the ground. I think as leeks are pretty tough they may survive, but what may have done this? I know pigeons dont seem to like leeks, and we dont have many rabbits, but there are some pheasants about, would it be them?

[rustylady]

How big were the leeks when you planted them out? I don't usually put mine out until late June when they are about pencil thick. Any smaller and the slugs and snails will have them.

[brooklynodog]

About six inches long

[lottie dolly]

but how thick are they

[brooklynodog]

Not anywhere near as thick as a pencil. At home I`ve always planted them at this size without any problem. We havent seen any snails or slugs at our lottie yet as its still pretty much at field of dirt stage (its new) My neighbour has had all his corn nibbled off as well. There has been a pheasant about, which is why I thought it was he. I have some spare leeklets, so I will fill the gaps and net the lot I think. Funny though, cos my parsnips (reared in loo rolls and planted out whole) have been ignored totally.

[Nicos]

Rabbits or pigeons are my first guess???

Yes ..pheasants are also a possibility...

[allotmentlady]

hmmm I wold only plant out when thicker than a pencil.......pigeons or mice most probably. Plant some seed in a large plantpot and try again. Good luck

[brooklynodog]

No need, I have loads of leeklets left. I always grow them in seed trays, which i suppose are not deep enough. Next year i`ll try a pot to let them get bigger.