something eating Gerber Daisy roots

Question

Every year when I set out Gerber Daisies, something eats the roots on many of them causing them to die. Is there something that I can put in the hole as I plant the daisies that will protect the roots?

Answer 1

Before planting I would lay down heavy wire mesh (fine mesh so that the rodents can’t get through it) to keep rodents from the root zone. Same goes for a raised bed garden – line the entire bottom of the bed with wire mesh before planting.

If you’re interested, here is additional information on how to protect bulbous plants as well – you may be able to incorporate some of these ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/bgen/protect-flower-bulbs.htm

Answer 2

I had this problem years ago. It was cutworm. I literally went around all my plants and dug around them on a regular basis and would find the nasty, thick, black pests and kill them! I also used soapy water but instead of dawn soap.I used dog, flea, and tick, shampoo with pyrethrins in it, to make my soapy water.