My buddy was growing a plant outside and it was over a foot in a pot. He planted it into the ground and bugs devoured it in 2-3 days. I'd suggest some bug spray that doesn't harm plants. If an animal is eating it... i dunno. Maybe you can buy some 2X2 boards and make a framed box. Staple chicken wire around it and put it over your plants, but you'll have to make it tall enough for your plants...