I had a sad morning today.... In an effort to make our balcony a lovely place to be this summer, I decided to plant some sunflower seeds. I did a bunch of research, and decided on Velvet queen. I started their germination inbetween damp papertowels, and when they began to sprout, I planted them all into peat pellets (12 total). They were all doing so well.... I had one in particular that I called my superstar... taller and quicker and more perfect than the rest. I also had 8 pellets of growing alyssum seedlings with them. I was feeling like a proud seedling mama. I usually kept them all in a place safe from the cats, but had fallen asleep with them out on a table under lights. My husband thoughtfully moved them into the bathroom. When I woke up for work, I happily went to check on them..... **HEART ATTACK**** My superstar was gone! Chewed off right at the dirt level, and another one lost both cotyledons.... The others are fine, but the alyssum suffered a large attack as well. We think it was ants.

So, for those who have suffered through my story, my question is: will I have this ant problem when my sunflowers are finally growing in pots on the balcony? If yes, will the cayenne pepper trick work? Or will I have to buy chemicals? What else can I expect for my balcony garden? I have african daisies, more alyssum already thriving, coleus, nephtitus, pink jasmine and phlox, and ficus.

Thanks for any tips or advice.

Thanks for

If you really think it's ants, you can use a low-tech solution I have seen people use for their food stores in countries where there are crawling critters. Place the peat pots on a saucer, and then over a bigger water-filled saucer so you have a kind of "moat". The ants won't cross that water, especially if you put a little vegetable or other oil in it. If you have cats I would avoid any chemicals. Even things that aren't toxic can cause sneezes and allergic reactions in sensitive kitties.

Thanks alot!