Most Petunia Blooms Were Eaten Overnight

Question From: Cheney, Washington, United States
Q: I'm wondering what happened to my petunias? They were full of blooms one day and the next the blooms were mostly gone ! Overnight ! What can I do to prevent this? I wondered if grasshoppers would eat the blooms. I've seen several around the last few days..

A: My guess would be a ground hog, a rabbit or deer. Grasshoppers may nibble but unless you have a huge swarm will not devour the all the flowers off a plant. This spring a little ground hog decimated my lettuce and Swiss Chard in a single night. Hot sauce and cayenne pepper works for me. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy.