A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 impatiens

I planted some impatiens about 3 weeks ago, but this past week I noticed that one of them was flattened out. I thought someone squished it--the stems were broken off right at ground level. Last night I noticed that another one was the same way, and no one had been in my garden. One of my perrenials is the same way--all stems broken off at ground level and the whole plant flattened out. Is there something that eats plants at the bottom of the stem? I've seen a couple of slugs in the garden. Do they do this?

Skoorbarabrab,

They could if they've gotten after
the stem..
but I don't think they'd flatten the whole
plant, unless they realllllllly chowed down
on some serious food over night!!!

Do you have Groundhogs/Woodchucks???????
Or Skunks?

Sometimes animals that eat grubs will forrage
around the base of plants looking for them,
and in the process trample or tip over plants
to get at them....

Especially since it's been dry *at least here*
when those types of animals would normally be
forraging for grubs/slugs/snails/bugs, etc...
in the woods, when it's dry, they tend not to be
in those places are are more likely to be in
our well kept and watered gardens... :p

And Welcome to The Garden Helper's Forum by the way, we're very glad you found us...
And there's lot's to do here..
For every season... especially during those
long, cold winters....and holiday times..

Thanks! I'll keep my eye out--I know there are skunks and raccoons around.

Sounds like you may have a little critter called a cutworm. They cut down the plant like a little lumber jack and then go to town on it. The best defence aginst them is taking a small bit of tin foil and wrapping it around the base of the plant, from the ground up to about 2 inches. This will keep them from messing with your plants.


Mike

OK, I'll check it out. Thanks!

Is that the only defence against cutworms?