No Peas for Me

**trolleydriver** 6/2/2015, 8:50 am

I've sown two batches of pea seeds this Spring and none have sprouted. These plantings are NOT in my SFG boxes. The seeds are mysteriously disappearing. There is no indication that the ground is being disturbed from above but when I dig for the seeds they are not there. I'm guessing that I have creatures from below that are feasting on the seeds. I'm wondering if there are voles at work?

**camprn** 6/2/2015, 9:03 am

That is sad! The good News is you still have some time to get them in. In another spot, perhaps? Good luck!

boffer 6/2/2015, 9:50 am

Possibly, but I wouldn't rule out birds yet. We have Stellar Jays here, rather than Blue Jays.
No Peas for Me Screen11

I've stood in my house and watched them stealing my pea seeds. When I go out to shoo them away and look at the damage, I can't tell they've been there. That beak is surgical!

When you re-plant, try covering the seeded area with screen, tulle, Reemay, or whatever else you may have on hand. Birds lose interest after the seed/seedling is an inch or two tall. Then the slugs get interested! Rolling Eyes

yolos 6/2/2015, 11:01 am

Although it is not a recommended option for planting peas, I have, on occasion, started them in cell packs or small pots and transferred them to the garden just after they sprout. Some gardeners soak the peas until the little sprout comes out and then plant them. This would mean less time in the ground for the critters to attach them.

**trolleydriver** 6/2/2015, 11:38 am

All good suggestions which I will have to try. Thanks.

FeedMeSeeMore 6/2/2015, 12:44 pm

That is one absolutely gorgeous bird! Never have seen one.

**AtlantaMarie** 6/2/2015, 1:52 pm

It IS pretty, isn't it? I haven't seen one either.

I believe they are western birds...

Marc Iverson 6/2/2015, 3:43 pm

Yeah that really is a great looking bird. I was disappointed to find out that bluebirds are often really nasty to other birds. Birds can be very aggressive animals.

**donnainzone5** 6/2/2015, 3:54 pm

Yesterday, I saw a bluejay in my SFG, right about where I'd recently planted a square of pole beans.

This morning, I noticed three of the eight seeds had been unearthed. However, it was only one of the four squares already planted.

Would it help to leave a wad of Sterling's feline fur in the bed, perhaps weighted down with a rock?

CapeCoddess 6/2/2015, 3:57 pm

Could you prop a window screen over them until they are a couple inches tall?

**donnainzone5** 6/2/2015, 4:26 pm

Not a bad idea! As a matter of fact, I DO have an old window screen I can use. Thanks for the suggestion.

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