Hey everyone, I'm a newbie gardener and I've hit a rough patch. I grew 12 sunflowers from seed, putting a lot of effort into a special bed just for them. Unfortunately, a recent storm took a toll, breaking some of them. This morning, I found that the last 4 sunflowers are gone—completely eaten down to the stems! I'm pretty heartbroken. Could it be bunnies, squirrels, or something else? How do you keep going after such a loss in gardening? It's really hitting me hard, and I didn't expect to feel so defeated. Any advice?
3 Answers
I'm really sorry to hear about your sunflowers! It’s tough when nature doesn’t cooperate. Last year, a groundhog wiped out my garden too. If you've got any groundhogs in your area, that could be your culprit. All I can say is, if you face losses, remember you're not alone.
I totally get it! I had a year where all sorts of animal damage and unexpected frost ruined my garden, affecting my mood too. I let my husband take over for a while and tried again the next year, and it was way better! Having some perennials helps too—they give you something to look forward to without all the hassle.
You should think about getting some fencing, like wildlife mesh. Everything loves sunflowers, and a bit of protection goes a long way. Also, I’ve seen people use plastic cylinders around young plants. They grow well without getting munched by critters. Trust me, it makes a difference!