Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby, but nothing winds a gardener up more than seeing a new crop destroyed by slugs or snails! These slimy pests love munching on tender leaves and can wreak havoc on your prized plants.
Fortunately, there are several natural, easy methods to keep these garden intruders at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here’s how you can safeguard your garden using natural solutions:
Wool Pellets
One of the most innovative and eco-friendly solutions for slug and snail control is the use of wool pellets. The coarse texture of wool pellets creates a physical barrier that slugs and snails find uncomfortable to cross. The rough edges irritate their soft bodies, discouraging them from advancing.
To use wool pellets, simply scatter them around the base of plants or in areas where you notice slug and snail activity. They also break down into compost over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.
Copper Tape
Copper tape is another natural deterrent option. When placed around garden beds or pots, copper creates a mild electrical charge that slugs and snails find repulsive. The charge causes a sensation that they dislike, thus encouraging them to stay away. Copper tape is easy to install and can be particularly effective around container plants.
Eggshells
Crushed eggshells can serve as a natural barrier. The sharp edges of the shells are unpleasant for slugs and snails to crawl over. Simply crush eggshells and scatter them around your plants or garden beds. Besides deterring pests, eggshells also add calcium to your soil, which can benefit your plants, just be careful not to over do it.
Beer Traps
Slugs and snails are attracted to the yeasty smell of beer. You can use this to your advantage by setting up beer traps. Bury a container in the soil so that the rim is level with the ground and fill it with beer. The slugs and snails will be drawn to the beer, fall in, and drown. This method is particularly useful for small infestations.
Handpicking
For a more hands-on approach, regularly inspecting your garden and handpicking slugs and snails can be effective. Check your garden early in the morning or late in the evening when these pests are most active. Dispose of them by dropping them in soapy water or relocating them far from your garden.
While no solution is 100% full proof in keeping your garden free from slugs and snails, these options will help you mange the bulk of them. Each method offers a different advantage, so consider using several in tandem for the best results.
Do you have a tried and true method for keeping slugs out of your salads? Let us know in the comments.