Question
I planted my sunflower seeds and they emerged quickly-but now they are all getting chewed up by something..I don't see any insects during the day-sometimes I see an ant or two-I have tried spraying them with water and Dawn-it hasn't helped...I am in California.Thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Mary,

Probably a furry critter.. but possibly birds as well.  The most likely culprits by my experience would be... squirrel, groundhog, rabbit or deer. Squirrel and groundhog, and most rodents hate mint. Coat the seed in powdered mint as you plant them.  Watch for tracks.  You could scatter some diatomaceous earth around to both see tracks and control any insects such as cutworms... which are usually nocturnal. If it is deer, raccoon or other nocturnal pests, I make an effective electronic deterrent.

http://walnut_creek_enterprises.webs.com

It is sometimes difficult to solve these mysteries.

Dan