Who's eating my broccoli leaves?

[Graham_UK]

Hello,

I'm new to growing things but have planted some broccoli.

However I have discovered that the leaves are bing eaten by something. I can't see any trace of slugs or snails and theres no sign of catapillars on the leaves.

Any suggestions as to who's having a munch and how to stop them!

[Jelliebabe]

Could be pigeons - they love broccoli and all plants like that - better off if they are netted over! Good luck!

[planetologist]

Yes, I'd also recommend netting with a mesh size of maybe 8mm or less, so that once the butterflies come out in numbers they are kept off as well.

[rustylady]

Pictures would be good, if possible, so we can see the damage. Birds and slugs/snails leave very different evidence of their munching.

[Graham_UK]

Thanks for your help. I've added a photo above.

[rustylady]

Snails or slugs is my bet. Birds don't leave nice round edges.

[WendyC]

I'd go with slug or snail too. I've only just potted into small pots so looks like yours are well ahead!

[Florence Fennel]

Definitely slugs and snails, they are a blooming nuisance, they've even managed to get into my little stayput's top shelf. Superslugs.

[Two_Sheds]

I think you've got slugs, snails and pigeons. Great big chunks ripped out indicates pigeons

[Graham_UK]

Thank you for all your replys.

.. I will put some pellets down for the slugs and snails and put a net over the top to stop any pigeons.

Out of interest do badgers or foxes eat veg like broccoli?

[Two_Sheds]

No, badgers like sweetcorn and foxies prefer KFC buckets

[chris]