Where did my leaves go?

15 years ago

This is my first time growing from seed. Round one went pretty poorly I think I over-watered most of the plants and 90% died. I started rounds 2 and 3 (some I started using the papertowel method some i put in a jiffy pellet on a heat mat) Almost all the seeds germinated with the exception of some tomatoes that I fried due to the heat mat being too hot.

My seedlings were looking pretty coming up, I went to bed I cam back this morning and some of my bell pepper plants were just stems!

This isnt the first time this has happened, so far it has always been the bell peppers (but that could just be due to location)This seems to happen when I turn the light out at night mostly.

One of my main concerns at this point is my Bhuts are finally sprouting, If I find them as only a stem it is going to get ugly.

What can I do to protect my babies? I dont think I really have time for a round 4 of planting.

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Comments (6)

morz8 - Washington Coast
15 years ago
I don't know what kind of setting you have your seedling flats located in....roly poly/pill bugs are one possibility in a damp setting, a mouse is certainly another.
Penguinz
Original Author
15 years ago
Highly doubtful of a mouse, my cats have proven they are very good mousers. there is a door to a crawlspace right there though so I could duct tape it off and see if that helps.
I did see a centipede down there the other day when I was moving trays around a little-could that be a potential culprit?
It is my laundry room in the basement, I was worried my cats would be the ones wreaking havoc but they have ignored it so far.
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flora_uk
15 years ago
Any slime trails? Slugs or snails can get indoors and cause mayhem if they find something green and tasty. Check under the pots and trays and underneath between the cells if they are in modular trays.
calistoga_al ca 15 usda 9
15 years ago
I agree with flora, you almost certainly have slugs, hiding during the day and eating at night. Put out slug bait before giving them any more plants to eat. Al
noinwi
15 years ago
"I agree with flora, you almost certainly have slugs, hiding during the day and eating at night. Put out slug bait before giving them any more plants to eat. Al"

...just make sure it's pet-safe slug bait(Sluggo for example)since you have kitties...
nutsaboutflowers
15 years ago
I agree with the other replies about the slugs.

However, it could also be a cat. Can you close a door so that your cats can't enter that room? If your cats are anything like some of the ones I've owned, they get into a lot more mischief at night sometimes. I wouldn't put it past my current cat to eat my plants at night. I had a new door put on to keep him out. I love him but I don't trust him, LOL!