Nibbled Spinach

[jason.p]

Can anyone offer an explanation. We have a couple of dozen spinach plants in a polytunnel. These have been growing well until a couple of days ago we noticed them being nibbled. Now there is very little left of any of them. There is no sign of slugs or snails, and no caterpillars. This damage seems to be happening overnight. Beans growing alongside show no sign of damage . Any ideas? Thanks.

[Jennykenny]

Go out with your torch in the dark and you'll find the culprits.

[jason.p]

Thanks Jenny. Did that last night but couldn't see anything. I'll try again tonight tho there's hardly anything left to nibble!
We're going to pull them all out and plant more seed in a different bed, but it would be nice to know what was doing it so possibly avoiding it happening again.

[atalanta]

Rabbits ?

[douglas9401]

Would the poly tunnel accommodate a dodgy looking sailor with massive forearms?

[jason.p]

Thanks for replies. Don't think its rabbits as much of the damage starts off with holes in the middle of the leaves and stalks haven't been touched. (I'll keep an eye out for that chap with a sailor's hat and big tattooed forearms).

[murraymints]

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/vegetables/spinach


birds !!