[Mark's Sussex Allotment]

I've just got back from the lotty and whilst there, found every single broad bean seedling has been ripped out of the ground, and left to lie on the floor eaten/pecked to death. It's like a battle field with no survivors.

I put the whole packet in about 2 weeks ago, and need another packet of seed ARGH!

Two close lotty neighbours on my plot said theirs came up fine, and he even showed me his.

Should I cover with netting? Is this common to happen like this.

I've grown them succesfully about 5 times before with no real issues.

I might start some off on the windowsill and transplant.....

[mumofstig]

I don't do beans, but thats what happens to my peas if I don't cover them as soon as I sow them!
I just lay some bundled up netting over the row until they appear, they seem to be safe after that

[BabbyAnn]

Touch wood I've never had problems with birds pecking/ripping broad bean seedlings out but then stranger things have happened (like a blackbird digging a big hole in the root ball of my blueberry bush  )  So perhaps netting would be a good idea.  

[realfood]

Frequently happens with voles or mice.

[gavinjconway]

Maybe should think of netting mine...

[Salmo]

Jackdaws are good at pulling beans out. I think they pull them up hoping that a worm or leatherjacket will come up at the same time. A net or wire is the only solution. Once the first leaves are opened up they will leave them alone

[gavinjconway]

Salmo - mine are 5" now so should I not bother with a net?