GETTING to grips with snails and slugs - these can decimate your seedlings in less than 24 hours if not kept on top of
I WAS highly annoyed the other day to find that the new seedlings I’d carefully planted were decimated to nothing within two days of planting.
And the culprits weren’t rabbits or possums, as is also quite prevalent at this time of year. No it was the never ending parade of snails, slugs and other garden in habitants who look at seedlings as a very scrumptious garden feast.
Spring is a time of renewal and growth in gardens, but it’s also the season when pests like slugs and snails can wreak havoc on plants. These common garden nuisances can quickly turn a thriving garden into a battleground, but with a few effective and environmentally friendly strategies, you can protect your precious plants.
Start by going on a “night patrol” with a flashlight in hand. Slugs and snails are nocturnal creatures, so they’re most active after dark. Simply pick them off your plants and relocate them to a distant part of your garden or dispose of them in a container of soapy water.
Encourage wildlife like birds, frogs, and toads in your garden. They are natural predators of slugs and snails and can help keep their population in check.
Use copper tape or strips around the base of vulnerable plants, or as some are also advocating, copper wire circled around an entire stick and planted in the soil which supposedly also helps with the health of soil.
When slugs and snails come into contact with copper, it gives them a mild electric shock, deterring them from climbing onto your plants.
Beer traps are a popular and proven way of catching them. Sink shallow containers into the soil, fill them with beer, and leave them out at night. Slugs and snails are attracted to the scent of beer, fall in, and drown. Empty and refill these traps regularly.
Coffee grounds are also supposed to be good – but I have only ever used them for putting a bit of nitrogen into the garden – they are good for this; you can pick them up from any place that serves barista coffee. Spread the used grounds around your garden beds. Slugs and snails are repelled by the abrasive texture of the grounds and the caffeine content.
Crushed eggshells create a sharp barrier that can deter slugs and snails from crossing. Scatter them around your plants to create a protective border – but be warned, you need a lot for this, otherwise, they simply find a way around them.
If you prefer a more hands-off approach, consider using organic slug bait like Quash. Look for products that contain iron phosphate, which is less toxic to pets and wildlife than traditional metaldehyde baits.
Plant companion crops naturally deter pests. For example, nasturtiums, garlic, and marigolds can help keep slugs and snails at bay.
In cases of severe infestations, you may consider using organic pesticides like neem oil or diatomaceous earth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use these sparingly, as they can affect non-target species.
Other tips include: keep your garden clean and well-maintained, remove debris and hiding spots where slugs and snails may take shelter during the day.
Organic mulches like straw can provide hiding spots for pests. Consider using gravel or crushed rock instead.
Implement a crop rotation system to reduce the buildup of pests in the soil over time. This can help break the cycle of infestations.
