I've got a serious problem with wildlife munching on my garden plants. My kniphofia, mesembryanthemum, delosperma, and lupin seem to be disappearing left and right! I've already treated for slugs and vine weevils a couple of times and have been manually taking out slugs when I see them. It turns out there are more slugs than I realized. Last night, my husband spotted a hedgehog rummaging through my patio plants, and I'm really hoping it's helping by eating the pests that are destroying my garden.
I've noticed that whatever is causing the damage doesn't seem to touch my fuchsias and roses. However, one or two of the roses do have those semi-circular bites like those from leaf-cutter bees. The self-seeded aquilegias are mostly safe, but some of the ones I raised in the greenhouse, along with my new hollyhocks, were eaten away. I usually try to grow my plants in the greenhouse, but I didn't manage to plant out my kniphofia and aquilegia at the right time. I do have some slug pellets, but I'm hesitant to use them because I have a couple of cats.
4 Answers
If you have a hedgehog, just be cautious. You really don’t want to accidentally harm it with poisons in your garden. Keeping it natural is the best way!
Leaf cutter bees are only around for a bit, but they sure are fascinating to watch, especially when they’re hauling leaves back to their nests! Manual removal of slugs works wonders, especially after it rains. Just toss them in the bin, and imagine they’re off on a better adventure. Also, consider creating a mini pond or a 'hedgehog highway' to keep your garden wildlife-friendly. I’ve had success with plants like ferns and rosemary that slugs tend to avoid!
Just remember, wildlife will always be part of the garden! It's their space too. Instead of fighting them, maybe consider ways to work with them. Like attracting predators or creating safe spots for them.
Have you tried putting out some hedgehog food? It really attracts them, and they can be fantastic for keeping those slugs and weevils in check. I've had a hedgehog in my garden for a while now, and my plants have never looked better! They've all but vanished!
I love that idea! I usually just hurl the slugs over the wall. Works for me! ?