My guess would be snails/slugs (in CA we call them slugs even though they have shells like snails, go figure). They will take down seedlings and even mature artichokes in a single night. They like to hide in thick vegetation (ground cover, shrubs, strawberries, anything that shades them during the day). I'd check with a flashlight after dark, or if you have anything left to protect, try throwing out some Sluggo.

Agree with slugs doing the damage. They thrive in all that wood chip mulch. Another good reason to avoid using wood chips as the mulch in vegetable gardens.

Dave

Oh my! When artichoke plants are young, slugs and snails, and other creepy crawlers will munch it down to a nub! When they are large, the leaves get tough, throny, and taste bitter. So, the bugs tend to leave them alone when the plants grow large. However, you will have to watch for earwigs and ants getting into the grooves and crevices of the leaves and globes. You can use organic slug and snail pellets. Covering with a net will also help keep the buggers away. Also watch out for grubs and gophers under the ground which will devour an artichoke plant of any size. Gail www.sweetheartartichokes.com