The Sunflower Mystery Continues

I have posted twice about my attempts to grow sunflowers this year. Initially, the tiny starts I set out simply vanished within two days. There was no indication of deer, so I suspected rodents, birds or insects. I scattered old raspberry canes over the area when I replanted, hoping to deter whatever culprit was around. The little plants came up, and soon began to disappear again. So I rigged up some bird netting over their raised bed, hoping to deter birds. For a few days I thought I had the problem solved, but whatever the critter is, it has started in again. Now I am wondering if it is grasshopper work, in which case there isn't a whole lot I can do about it. Maybe I just won't have sunflowers this year!

If you look closely, you can see some of the seedlings looking mostly intact, and some very much nibbled on.

But the sunflowers aren't the only plant starts that have been in trouble. The calendula and collards (especially the collards) I set out have been trimmed down to just a stem remaining, at most. I had extras, which are still in their little pots up on my deck, growing beautifully up there. I am reluctant to put them out in the garden for some pest to eat.

This is what is left of a collard start.

A purple broccoli in the same raised bed has also been chewed on.

However, purple broccoli elsewhere in the garden is doing just fine.

On a much happier note, the first zinnia is beginning to bloom!

I would appreciate any input regarding what might be causing the damage in the garden this year, as well as suggestions for dealing with it. Thank you in advance!

All photos taken on my Android phone.