slug control methods

[sincerity]

Once again, a bumper crop of slugs this year; no doubt encouraged by the un-ending wet weather. Despite all barbaric acts known to man ( and this woman ) they continue to thrive and proliferate. I have a number of predators - resident hedgehogs, newts and lizards, but no visible impact made on the slug population. I saw a t.v. clip of a man who recommended planting a border of forget-me-nots around vulnerable plants, his results seemed to justify the advice. Has anyone else tried this? Does it work? I would love it if someone could explain the logic of it - what does the most repulsive of critters find offensive about a little blue flower? Any advice would be gratefully received.

[oldherbaceous]

Dear Sincerity, i have never heard of this before, so i'm wondering if it might have something to do with the slightly felty leaves they have, slugs and snails might find it irritating.

[Nature's Babe]

I hadn't heard that one sincerity. There are organic slug pellets, I put some on old lettuce leaves before planting out tender crops. If you can get bags of old sheep wool to put around your beds that is a good slug irritant / deterrent, used coffee grounds are a good barrier too.

[sincerity]

Thank you for the responses to this article. I have tried organic slug pellets, but they seem to fade and break down very quickly. I think that my main problem - other than living in one of the wettest areas - is that during the summer I am unable to visit the garden that often, due to my commitments as a carer. I often don't see the garden for a week at a time throughout July and August ( bad timing I know!) and given a wet summer I am at a disadvantge. I doubt that much will work for a week at a time . I will try the 'forget me not' planting and see if this does work. As the plants will grow actively during this period it sounds the best option - that saying, if it works. Watch this space in 2012!

[Nature's Babe]

Hi Sincerity, I am a full time carer too, do you get some hours respite every week? You should be entitled to some, and can ask social services for a carers assesment, you may be entitled to more help. I get thursday mornings off, when the weather is ok I can spend that time in the garden, or occasionally i go shopping. The wet summers just when we need to ripen stuff are a pain.

[thetangoman]

I just use beer , needs changing I know , but if you put beer in sheltered ares in containers many of these beasties get drunk and drown quietly Also being a fan of real ale they usually have some half decent ale to drink as well ..all part of the fun and having an allotment
So drink a little and share a little..partnership working I believe

[Tony Hague]

I have tried organic slug pellets, beer traps, coffee (supposed to damage their nervous system) etc, but the biggest difference was made by removing as many damp hiding places as possible, both man-made clutter, and thinning out overcrowded areas of the garden. Encouraging birds may have helped - which in turn means discouraging cats !

[Marigold]

They don't need beer; anything fruity will do and jam that has fermented is perfect; add water in eg empty cat food tins...

NB this has not worked for us this year as a visiting badger loves anything fruity and sweet and empties the traps