[John H]

Last week I finaly got to plant my first raised bed. I planted various seeds and a few cabbage plants.

As I have a couple of dogs I put a old site fence over the bed to stop them digging it up. This morning I went out and one of my cabbage plants had disappeared. What could have taken this and how do I prevent any more disappearing.

[michael brenock]

First of all establish was the plant pulled up complete with roots or was it cut at ground level and the end of the stem and roots were left. if plants were small then pigeons could be the culprits. it is unlikely that rabbits could get onto a raised bed andthe dogs would have prevented the rabbits. As well as rabbits crows will also take plants as well as pheasants. Put up a net before any more damage is done.
michael brenock Horticultural advisor (retired)

[John H]

Thanks for that Michael.The roots are gone as well.

When you say cover with a net does it need to be caged in or if I made a cover that could be raised as the veg grows. This would leave the sides open, could this leave it open for more attacks?