Davy wrote in
:

This year, never happened before, but when my peas
germinate, I find the 10mm shoot lying on the ground
-
not attached to its roots.
Anyone experienced this and now what the culprit
might
be?
Davy


I think I know the culprit - cut worms! According to
Wikipedia "They are voracious leaf, bud, and stem
feeders and can destroy entire plants. They get their
name from their habit of "cutting" off a seedling at
ground level by chewing through the stem. Some species
are subterranean and eat roots."

Suggested methods of Control:
- Put cardboard collar around new transplants to
extend 1" to 2" above and below soil level. - not sure
this is practical for peas since I sow them about 5cm
apart so have very many of them
- insecticides - not in my veg bed

But surely all I need to do is keep them away from the
line of sown peas is to water the soil with a
deterrent? Any ideas?
DAvy