Could it be a critter looking for grubs or other soil insects, just taking advantage of the loose dirt?

Same thing happens to me. Ground squirrels here. I didn't have a big problem this spring, but last year, they wouldn't leave them alone! I bought some stuff that you sprinkle on the soil that's supposed to deter them, and rabbits, moles, etc etc...and it seemed to help them get established and large enough that they weren't dug up anymore. It annoyed me SO bad last year...

I wonder if chicken wire placed over them would help until they sprout. You could weigh down the wire with a brick or rock.

Barbara in Virginia

Try one of those plastic owls you move every couple of days, it has helped mine, you can get them at Wal-mart that have a head that moves with the wind for under 20.00. You can also try the blow up snakes and keep them in there, I don't like the snakes cause it would give ME a heart attack and not the critters.
sharon
zone 7

Most likely skunks or possum looking for grubs and worms.