Hey everyone! I'm new to gardening and currently growing vegetables, but I'm struggling with a ton of slugs and snails invading my garden. My garden features 1.2m squared galvanized metal beds, and those little critters just crawl up and feast on my plants. I've read about using copper tape or mesh, but I've seen mixed opinions on whether they actually work. I can't invite frogs or hedgehogs because I have two cats that love to hunt. I've also heard about making a garlic spray, but I'm worried it might harm my plants. I'm really confused and would appreciate any tips or non-lethal methods to deal with these pesky creatures!
2 Answers
You could try using raw sheep fleece around your plants. It's said to deter slugs and can also help fertilize the soil. If you're feeling adventurous, go slug-hunting at dawn or dusk with a flashlight and a bag—just scoop them up and toss them away. But remember, if you spot any leopard slugs, be gentle with them! They're actually beneficial since they eat other slugs and their eggs.
Leopard slugs are awesome! I always save them too. Just went out earlier and found one slug but a ton of snails — what a hassle!
Have you tried Strulch? It's a type of mulch that supposedly helps keep slugs and snails away. I haven't used it personally, but I've seen the RHS promoting it. Just to clarify, when you say you want a non-harmful method, do you mean you don't want to harm the slugs at all or just not do it directly? For instance, beer traps will catch and kill them, which you might want to avoid.
I think I'd have a hard time with a beer trap since I really don't want to hurt them. I just want them to leave my veggies alone! ? Thanks for the Strulch tip, I'll definitely check it out. This whole growing thing is way more complicated than I thought!
I've seen a few leopard slugs while searching for wood for my raised beds, and I carefully set them aside. I'll give the fleece a shot. At this point, I'm willing to try anything! Thanks for sharing your advice! ?