You don’t need to go out and buy expensive, copper-lined solutions or constantly apply toxic slug pellets – you can use natural solutions to tackle pesky snails
Slugs are the bane of many gardeners’ lives as these slimy invaders can quickly reduce your hard work to a few sad, nibbled leaves. Snails are most active in the cooler, damp evenings and early mornings, but their damage can be seen throughout the day.
While it’s almost impossible to create a completely slug-free garden, there are plenty of ways to protect your plants without resorting to harsh chemicals. You don’t need to go out and buy expensive, copper-lined solutions or constantly apply toxic slug pellets. In fact, many gardeners have found that natural methods are often the most successful.
So, if you’re tired of losing seedlings to slugs, here are some clever ways to keep them at bay using simple, natural solutions according to Gardeners Worlds.
Sharp surfaces
Slugs dislike crossing rough, sharp surfaces. By scattering materials like horticultural grit, crushed eggshells, or sand around your plants, you create an uncomfortable environment for these pests. They won’t be able to slide across the rough texture. Your plants won’t be harmed; they decompose and even add valuable nutrients to the soil. Top up the grit after heavy rain, as it can wash away.
Coffee grounds
Used coffee grounds are another simple but effective deterrent. The acidity in coffee grounds, will make the area less attractive to them. As the grounds break down, they release nitrogen into the soil, giving your plants a nutrient boost.
Wool pellets
A more sustainable option is wool pellets. Made from compressed sheep wool, these pellets form a prickly surface that slugs find difficult to cross. They act as a physical barrier, but they also enrich the soil as they decompose.
Beer traps
A tried-and-tested method for slug control is the beer trap. Slugs are attracted to the smell of fermenting beer. To create a beer trap, simply bury a container or jar in the ground so the rim is level with the soil. Fill it with cheap beer and cover with a loose lid. Place traps around your garden to catch the slugs before they reach your plants.
Encourage natural predators
Encouraging natural predators into your garden is the best way to prevent slugs in your garden. Birds, frogs, toads, and even slow worms love to feast on slugs, and by creating a garden that attracts these helpful creatures, you can keep the slug population under control. Adding a wildlife pond, planting hedgerows, and leaving areas of wild, untamed vegetation will help provide a habitat for slug predators, reducing the need for chemicals.
