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A Mouse Ate My Coleus!

9 years ago

I had a great summer last year, growing coleus. So, this year I thought I'd get a head start and try growing a large variety from seed. I spent about $25 on seed from an online source, and last week I planted them and put them under lights in my basement and crossed my fingers. Incredibly, I got 100% germination, and I was absolutely tickled looking forward to all the fun foliage combinations I was going to get to play with. This morning, when I went down to admire my sprouts, I found every single plant decapitated. Every tiny leaf was gone. In addition, the soil in the containers had been dug into and tossed around. So, I immediately ran to set my mouse traps. When I got back downstairs and pulled back the clear plastic cover from the light set, there sat the furry culprit, staring right back at me from the shelving unit. Can you imagine the gall? Oh, well. I still have plenty of time to restart some coleus seeds in time for next spring's pots. I just hate that I wasted time, energy and money, and got cheated by a no-good free loader.

Martha

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Comments (8)

christine1950
9 years ago
Now I've heard everything, I would never have thought mice would eat seedlings, guess the darn critter was hungry. I hope you catch him, remember what they say "Where there's one, there are more" Good Luck
Christine
docmom_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
I've trapped 8 mice in two days. I'll keep resetting traps all winter.

Martha
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christine1950
9 years ago
Oh boy, my heart goes out to you. I wish there was an easy fix to getting rid of mice. Hopefully someone will come along with some good advice for you.
docmom_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks, Christine. My trap rate on the mice has slowed way down. So, I think I may be safe to try some seedlings again. I'm waiting for my seed order to arrive. Happy Holidays.

Martha
docmom_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
Well, I replanted and have perfect germination again. I've only trapped one mouse in the past two months, and I have traps underneath the light table to protect my seedlings. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. In addition to the coleus, I also planted some sedums and sempervivums which have had excellent germination, too.

Martha
James
9 years ago
If it helps, I have not had any mice problems because I have cats. However, my cats chewed 4 crape myrtles almost to the ground, They went from 8 inches to 2 inches in one day
James
9 years ago
but they are leaving my coleus alone :)
docmom_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
I have kittens. When the mice ate the coleus, they were still too small to be much help. Now, however, I think they will keep the mouse problem in check. They do like to chew on the plants, but I keep them on shelves out of reach.

Martha

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