[russellcm]

Hi,

First attempt at growing sweetcorn this year and it was all going well until I went on holiday. My non green fingered friend was very helpful picking and keeping things watered while I was away but something has eaten almost all of my cobs. I've attached some pics - does anyone have any idea what?

I looked at other plots and there's seem untouched whether they are under nets or not. The fence to the plot joined to mins is broken (vandalised last year) so there is easy access for any land lovers so I'm wondering if this has caused the problem.

Annoyingly everywhere we went on holiday the fields were full of sweetcorn so I was looking forward to getting back to a glut. Think I have about 3 cobs untouched!  Is it worth me netting these before they go the same way?

Thanks very much

[Sparkyrog]

Looks like deer to me 

[russellcm]

Hi Rog,

Thanks for the reply - can't see how it could be deer though. I forgot to mention the allotment site which has a fence around it and is pretty much surrounded by roads in a fairly urban area. Think I have seen a badger on the site once but think a deer unlikely.

Any other ideas?

Cheers

[parttimer]

It could be squirrels or even mice!

[barley]

I had problems with sparrows stripping mine one year - cut a pop bottle top and bottom off and slide it over the cob - it did stop them getting at them really well

only advice I can give if its mice is set traps under plants but cover well with a brick and tile  so you do not accidently trap a bird

[RJR_38]

I would bet at squirrel. I have had deer damage and they are not as delicate as that - they take the whole cob (or sometimes the whole plant) out

[missmoneypenny]

Squirrel would be my prime suspect. It s best to net.

[JayG]

Although there certainly are grey squirrels living in my neighbourhood, up to now they've never touched the sweet corn - I suspect they have to "learn" about the treat by chance, but when they have.............

It would surely have to be an extremely large family of mice (or voles?) to do such a comprehensive job - netting is your best bet against squirrels, which are easier to keep out than mice.

Good luck (I'd still be sobbing by the "Winter Festival" if I lost mine!  )

[ilan]

unfortunatly I lost all my sweetcorn as well but I think it was either deer or badgers and they had ripped the cobs of some plants were ripped out others laid flat so know the feeling . That is very much more delicate so I would think squirels or perhaps birds. We dont get squirels here as they are all shot by the local farmer, but I have had bird damage before   

[Aunt Sally]

Rats have eaten a lot of mine this year