Field Pea Fortress

GoDawgs · August 1, 2020

The night before last, the deer came to visit the Red Ripper pea patch. Actually, the tracks left make it seem like there was just one deer (thank goodness) that was sampling some plants in each of the four rows before wandering off. Lots of skips now where there were none!

The last time this happened two years ago, the plants were about 10" tall and had growth emerging below the munched stem. I pruned them down to the new growth and they came back fine. But these plants were so small! Still, on some of them I see tiny bits of growth emerging. There's hope.

So yesterday, knowing they'd be back for more that night (they always do) I got another netting enclosure put up. Good grief, the garden is starting to look like a fortress!

Meanwhile, the bed of Colossus field peas remains untouched. I think the deer only go for the young tender stuff because when the same plants mature, the deer don't mess with them. So far I've gotten the first two small pickings from this bed.

mike5953 · August 2, 2020

I feel your pain!
I put up netting to stop the deer several years ago, but it didn't stop the rabbits.
The little buggers eat right through the netting then help themselves to any and all the tender growth.
I've replanted my okra two times so far because of them.

GoDawgs · August 2, 2020

Thank goodness I don't have rabbits to contend with. Between the three cats here and the coyotes out and about I haven't seen a rabbit on this property in years.

August 1, 2020	#1
GoDawgs Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Augusta area, Georgia, 8a/7b Posts: 1,685	Field Pea Fortress The night before last, the deer came to visit the Red Ripper pea patch. Actually, the tracks left make it seem like there was just one deer (thank goodness) that was sampling some plants in each of the four rows before wandering off. Lots of skips now where there were none! The last time this happened two years ago, the plants were about 10" tall and had growth emerging below the munched stem. I pruned them down to the new growth and they came back fine. But these plants were so small! Still, on some of them I see tiny bits of growth emerging. There's hope. So yesterday, knowing they'd be back for more that night (they always do) I got another netting enclosure put up. Good grief, the garden is starting to look like a fortress! Meanwhile, the bed of Colossus field peas remains untouched. I think the deer only go for the young tender stuff because when the same plants mature, the deer don't mess with them. So far I've gotten the first two small pickings from this bed.

August 2, 2020	#2
mike5953 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 97	I feel your pain! I put up netting to stop the deer several years ago, but it didn't stop the rabbits. The little buggers eat right through the netting then help themselves to any and all the tender growth. I've replanted my okra two times so far because of them.