I've been struggling with a significant slug and snail infestation in my garden. My winter pansies are suffering, with their flowers getting munched constantly. Last year, I tried using ferrous phosphate as a way to control them, but I've heard mixed opinions on its safety. Some locals recommend surface composting by tossing vegetable peelings around the garden to attract slugs and snails away from my plants. Has anyone here tried this method? Does it really work? I'm also thinking about leaving some cover crops as a buffer, but despite planting Chervil, it appears those plants are untouched while my pansies and primrose are being devoured.
2 Answers
If you're looking for organic methods, there are several organic snail baits available. I can't guarantee how effective they are, but you could also try beer traps! A friend of mine swears by them, though I haven't tested them myself yet.
A cool trick is to create a moat using builder's sand around your garden! Make it about three inches wide. The sharp edges can cut up slugs and snails, and they usually won’t cross it. Just fluff it up again after it rains to keep it effective!