Growing carrots...Where have my carrot foliage/leaves gone?!!?

Question

I planted carrots in a planter in good, organic soil. I was so pleased when they all began to grow--quickly and well! Then, I noticed that the foliage on top was disappearing about 3-4 at a time! Looks like the roots are still planted, and that just the leaves have vanished! How can I stop whatever is getting to these, and should I replant or will the carrots continue to grow?

Answer 1

Could be rabbits or groundhogs. Caging them should help. They should regrow the greens and be fine. Good luck with Peter Rabbit!

Answer 2

Since you said they're in a container, if you don't think a rabbit or something is getting at them it could also be cutworms.  These are little caterpillars which live in the soil.  They come out and cut the plant off at the soil surface, leaving the roots intact.  Look for a little burrow near ground zero.

Answer 3

You have a hungry critter!!!! I would leave them alone and see if they continue to grow without the leaves. Try sprinkling cayenne pepper around where your plants are.