Stop Slugs in the Organic Garden
Kill or Repel Slugs and Snails Without Pesticides or Chemicals
Slugs and snails can cause a great deal of damage in the organic garden in short order. Kill or repel these pests with natural methods.
The lowly snail and his trail of slime captivated us as children. The hordes of gastropods that devastate our gardens in the night dismay us as adults. Unfortunately, the lush conditions in the organic garden that help our plants grow also provide safe harbor to the common garden slug and brown snail. The same thick layer of mulch that provides a cool root run for vegetables, flowers, and perennials also gives slugs and snails an ideal nursery for egg-laying.
Metaldehyde is the most commonly used conventional pesticide against slugs and snails, and is sold under several trade names. This pesticide is harmful to wildlife and can be fatal if consumed by pets, and is not an option in the organic garden. You can foil these pests with gentler methods.
Liquid Traps
Many organic gardeners are familiar with the allure of beer to slugs and snails. Place a shallow dish in the garden, and dump out the drowning victims the next day. You can also buy covered shallow slug traps. Contrary to myth, the slugs don’t get drunk and fall in, rather, the yeast attracts them and the alcohol desiccates their delicate tissues.
If you live in a dry county, or prefer to keep your libations for yourself, you can achieve a similar effect with a dish of lemonade. The sugar attracts the slugs and the acids kill the pests.
Natural Slug and Snail Repellant
Snails and slugs must avoid sharp surfaces that can pierce their tender flesh. You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth, made from the fossilized remains of algae-like creatures, around the base of your plants. You can also try eggshells, gravel, sand, or fireplace ashes as deterrents. Some gardeners report success with copper rings placed around plants. The metal ions in the copper give off a weak electrical current when encountered by slugs.
Slug Hunting
If you have a small garden, or very large slugs, you can embark on a slug hunting expedition. This is especially fun when you get the children involved. When the last trace of dusk has faded, set out with your flashlight and gardening gloves. Let your young helper carry the pail of salty water. Pluck the offenders and drop them in the pail.
You can also hunt for slugs and snails in the daylight, if you provide them a suitable place to congregate. Simply place a piece of damp cardboard or melon rind in the garden, and check for tenants before night falls.
Wildlife Control
Escargot isn’t just for fancy restaurants. Birds, toads, lizards, and snakes also consider snails and slugs a delicacy. Because you maintain an organic garden, free of chemicals that harm wildlife, you should have an abundance of these predators in your garden.
Slug and Snail Resistant Plants
If you feel like you’re losing the battle of the slugs, consider some plants that snails and slugs don’t enjoy. Snails usually leave azaleas, fennel, parsley, rhubarb, and sage alone. On the other hand, snails and slugs relish hostas, zinnias, marigolds, and most tender seedlings.
