[dendass]

And more importantly - how do i stop it?!

I have started off my first vegetable plot, and really enjoying it - things have started sprouting and its all getting exciting - this morning I have noticed something is starting to munch away at the leaves of some of the plants!!

I have noticed a lot of ants in the bed - is this the likely cause? if so, whats the best way to get rid of them?
Thanks in advance!

Si

[DD.]

Welcome to the forums.

Depends on what plants they are, different predators have different appetites.

Could be anything from slugs, though pigeons, rabbits to deer!

What plants are they?

[dendass]

Plants I have are:

Tomatoes- in pots and they are ok.
Chillis - in pots currently and they are ok
Peppers - in pots they are currently ok!

Courgette's - these are growing from seed, and have just poked through the surface - one has had a taster bite out of it!

Pak Choi - again just started to come through and a couple of holes in the leaves

Radishes - massive now and some of these have been attacked

Also have swiss chard, leeks, (these seem to be ok) and onion sets (just planted)
Being in town I doubt its deer/rabbits. Could be pigeons as we have loads around. no slug trails that i can see?

[DD.]

The ones you state are prime targets for slugs. Even my pigeons have never gone for radish, although they love the larger brassicas.

[dendass]

SLugs 
Whats the best way to remove the problem? (also needs to be safe for cats!)
thanks for your help!

[Nadlen]

Copper tape, beer trap...organic pellets?

Omg I hate slugs. Wish they were edible, I'd be a millionaire selling them.

[AlistairMcLennan]

Hi,

I use Growing Success Advanced Slug Pellets. I have found that to be a good product as well as safe for Kids & Pets if used in the correct way.

SLugs 
Whats the best way to remove the problem? (also needs to be safe for cats!)
thanks for your help!

[shokkyy]

I use the Growing Success pellets too cos I've got 2 dogs that eat everything they can lay their paws on plus a garden full of birds. They work very well on slugs and so far zero damage to dogs or wildlife.

I did see on Bunty's Blog that she plants a boundary of forget me not round her veggies cos she thinks it stops slugs.

[Trillium]

I now have rabbits munching my young plants so they could be adding to the destruction.