January 16, 2024 • 19 mins
Tired of those slimy critters turning your garden into an all-night buffet? Get ready to arm yourself with nature-friendly tactics to protect your leafy greens from ravenous slugs and snails. This episode is a treasure trove of practical advice, weaving through the ins and outs of gastropod management. From the comfort of nocturnal patrols to the clever use of barriers and traps, we're here to guide you through creating a thriving ecosystem that's inhospitable to these pesky mollusks. And for those with a bit of yard to spare, we'll explore how our feathered friends and even the occasional chicken can join the fight in safeguarding your garden's vitality.
As your garden hosts for this episode, we don't just stop at pest control. We also delve into the world of garden detective work, interpreting the cryptic clues left behind by slugs and snails to understand their behaviors and seasonal patterns. Discover how to armor your garden using plants like lavender and strategically placed dry mulches to repel these slimy invaders. It's not just about the battle; it's about understanding the enemy and arming your garden with the means to remain beautiful and productive. Tune in for a holistic approach to managing your garden's most surreptitious pests, ensuring your plants can grow without becoming a gastropod gourmet meal.
'How I Grow' is produced by The Seed Collection Pty Ltd.
Find out more about us here: www.theseedcollection.com.au
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
You're listening to how I Grow with the seed
collection, and today I'll betalking about how to deal with
slugs and snails in the garden.
Few pests cause quite so muchanguish to gardeners as slugs
and snails.
The damage they can cause toyour plants is swift and
(00:22):
decisive, often wiping out awhole row of seedlings in a
single night.
However, there is plenty youcan do to keep the population
under control.
You don't need to resort to thedreaded snail pellets which can
cause so much harm to benignwildlife.
First, it's helpful to knowexactly what you're up against
when it comes to these annoyingslimy creatures.
(00:43):
Both slugs and snails are inthe gastropod mollusk class of
animals, but despite theirsimilar appearances, they're not
very closely related andthey're a countless species of
each, even within their owngroups.
Of course, the most obviousdifference between the two is
that snails carry a shell whileslugs do not, but in terms of
(01:04):
size and colour there's such awide variety both within and
between the two families.
Nonetheless, their behavioursand control methods are broadly
similar enough that they can begrouped together in terms of
being garden pests.
It would probably be easier tolist the plants which are immune
to slug and snail attentionthan to mention all the ones at
(01:26):
risk.
They tend to ignore highlyaromatic herbs like lavender, as
well as hairy stemmed flowerslike geraniums.
They'll avoid euphobiaswherever possible and tend to
overlook ferns while they foragefor food.
But beyond this, virtually anytender young plant will be on
the menu, and plenty of olderones too.
(01:46):
There's no sure way to controlslugs and snails, and for many
gardeners it becomes almost asport to find new and ingenious
ways of deterring them.
However, here are seven of themost common methods which are
known to work, at least to someextent.
Number one Remove hiding places.
Both slugs and snails thrive indark and gloomy corners,
(02:09):
particularly ones filled withdamp and rotting organic
material.
And although you'll neverremove all of these spots from
your garden, keeping the areassurrounding your important beds
clean and tidy helps to keepslugs occupied elsewhere.
Number two Encourage birds.
As with so many pest problems,making your garden attractive to
(02:29):
local birds is a great help indealing with gastropods.
If you haven't already installsome bird feeders and baths and
try to keep them filled, withluck the birds will arrive for
an easy main course and take afew slugs and snails for dessert
.
Number three Raise chooks orducks If wild avians don't
(02:50):
provide enough air cover,consider raising chickens or
ducks if you have the space.
They rate the slimy mollusks asa delicacy, but be aware that
letting poultry roam your gardencan be just as destructive as
the pest problem you're tryingto cure.
Number four Nocturnal collection.
As you're going about yourgardening activities, it makes
(03:12):
sense to deal with any slugs andsnails as and when you come
across them.
So collect them in a bucket andtransfer them far away from
your patch.
Or, for the less squeamish, astomp with a heavy boot is quick
and often more effective.
Unfortunately, this will onlybe scratching the surface.
To really do some damage totheir numbers, make night time
(03:34):
patrols by torchlight tosurprise them as they feed under
the cover of darkness.
In particular, check out bedswith plenty of young, fresh
seedlings, as well as areasyou've recently watered, and
you'll be certain to find richpickings.
Number 5.
Set traps To make collectioneasier.
There are two types of trapsyou can lay.
(03:55):
The simplest is to leave halvesof orange or grapefruit peel
dotted around the problem areas,cut side down.
Slugs in particular will beattracted by the smell and will
slime their way inside to feedon the fruity pulp, making them
sitting targets.
A second method now a firm partof gardening law is to lay a
beer trap.
These are hugely tempting toboth slugs and snails.
(04:18):
The basic idea is to bury adeep saucer into the soil so
that it's level with the surface, then add a centimetre or two
of beer to the bottom.
The yeasty smell will draw thecreatures in, but after making
an accidental splash they'll beunable to escape.
This simple beer trap methodworks well, but you can make or
(04:39):
buy more advanced versions withcovers to keep the rain out and
the slugs in.
But in either case, remember tocollect and remove the contents
regularly, especially in warmerweather.
Number 6.
Barrier methods.
No matter how zealous you areat keeping the population down,
there will always be plenty ofgastropods left to go around.
(05:00):
Using barrier methods toprotect individual plants is
therefore a really sensibleprecaution.
Here are three ideas which manygardeners have found useful
Copper.
A band or ring of copper placedon the soil around the base of
vulnerable plants will give anygastropod a mild electric shock
if they try to cross over it.
This is usually enough to deterthem.
(05:21):
For containers, you can buycopper tape to wrap around the
rim to achieve the same effect.
However, in both cases, if anypart of the plant bends down and
touches the ground, the copperprotection will be null and void
.
Grit sand or eggshells For aless electric method, simply
sprinkle rough grit, sharp sandor crumbled eggshells around the
(05:44):
plant's bases.
This covering will hopefully betoo uncomfortable to crawl
across, although success rateswith this will vary.
Diatomaceous earth A moredependable variant on grit or
sand is to use a substancecalled diatomaceous earth.
This is an organic product madefrom tiny fossilised seashells
(06:04):
and on a microscopic scale it'sincredibly sharp and spiky.
Spreading this around yourplants should be a highly
effective deterrent to thetender undersides of all slugs
and snails, as well as manyinsect pets like earwigs Number
7.
Slug pellets.
As a last resort, spreadingslug and snail pellets and baits
(06:26):
around your garden can behelpful.
However, please be sure to usea modern, organic pellet based
on ferric phosphate rather thana less selective poison such as
metaldohyd, which risks harminginnocent wildlife.
With each of these methods,some people have great success,
while others see no positiveresults at all.
With slugs and snails posingsuch an ever-present problem, it
(06:49):
makes sense to incorporate asmany tactics as you can into
your gardening routine.
Now I'm going to go over some ofthe most common questions we
hear asked on this topic.
How do I identify if my gardenhas a slug or snail problem?
Identifying a slug or snailissue in your garden involves
(07:11):
observing the signs of theirpresence and the damage they
cause.
Here are some indicators Tuedleaves.
Look for irregular holes oredges on plant leaves.
Slugs and snails typically feedon the softer parts of plants,
leaving distinctive chew marksand slime trails.
Slugs and snails secrete amucus like slime as they move,
(07:33):
leaving shiny trails on surfaces.
Check for these trails onplants, soil or hard surfaces in
and around the garden.
Another sign is damagedseedlings.
Seedlings are often morevulnerable to slug and snail
damage.
If you notice small, newlyemerged plants being eaten or
damaged, slugs or snails couldbe the culprits.
(07:54):
Another thing to check for ishollowed fruits.
Check fruits for signs offeeding, especially on the
softer parts.
Slugs and snails may borrowinto fruits, causing damage.
They also create irregularholes in tubers or bowls.
If you have underground cropslike potatoes or bulbs, check
them for irregular holes ordamage that could indicate slug
(08:15):
or snail feeding.
There's also the presence ofeggs.
Slugs and snails lay clustersof translucent eggs.
Look for these eggs in hidden,moist areas such as the
undersides of leaves or in thesoil.
Inspect your plants regularlyfor any unusual signs.
These are signs of slugs likewilting or stunted growth, which
(08:35):
might be attributed to slugsand snails.
By paying attention to thesesigns, you can determine if they
are causing issues in yourgarden and take appropriate
measures to control theirpopulation.
Another question we've beenasked is are there specific
types of soil that attract moreslugs and snails?
And the answer to this is yes.
(08:56):
The type of soil in your gardencan heavily influence the
presence of slugs and snails.
Slugs and snails thrive in dampenvironments, so soil with high
moisture retention is reallyattractive to them.
Clay soils which hold waterwell can provide an ideal
habitat.
There's also organic mattercontent.
Soil rich in organic matter,such as decaying leaves and
(09:19):
plant debris, is also appealing.
They feed on the decomposingorganic material and find hiding
places in it too.
Ph levels Slugs and snails aregenerally adaptable to a range
of soil pH levels too.
However, slightly acidic toneutral soils, like with a pH
(09:39):
between 6.0 to 7.0, are oftenpreferred.
Conduct a soil test todetermine the pH of your soil.
There's also the texture.
Slugs and snails prefer soilswith a loose texture, making it
easier for them to move throughthe soil.
Sandy soils will be lessfavorable due to their drier
nature.
(10:01):
Mulch type the type of mulch youuse can also have an impact.
While mulching is beneficialfor moisture retention and weed
suppression, certain types ofmulch, especially organic
mulches like straw or bark, cancreate more favorable conditions
for slugs and snails.
The proximity to water sourcesis also really important.
(10:22):
Gardens close to water sources,such as ponds, streams or areas
with poor drainage may have ahigher slug and snail population
due to the increased moisture.
Slugs and snails also prefer amore shaded area in the garden
and they're more active in shadylocations too.
So to reduce slug and snailactivity in your garden,
(10:44):
consider modifying these soilconditions improve drainage,
reduce excess moisture andmanage organic matter carefully.
Additionally, creating dry andless favorable hiding spots can
help to discourage these pestsfrom establishing a significant
presence in your garden.
Are there certain times of theyear when slugs and snails are
(11:06):
more active?
Yes, the activity of slugs andsnails is influenced by various
environmental factors and theiractivity levels vary throughout
the year.
As a general guide, they dotend to be far less active in
the winter time and more activein the spring.
They're more active in springbecause temperatures rise and
(11:27):
moisture levels increase.
This is a critical time forthem to feed, mate and lay eggs.
Snail activity will continue inthe summer.
This is due to the warmertemperatures and increased
vegetation, which provides amplefood and hiding places.
But as the weather becomeshotter and drier toward the
later half of the season, youcan expect to see a decrease in
(11:48):
activity.
Slugs and snails may stillremain active in the autumn too.
This is their last window tocontinue feeding and laying eggs
before winter arrives.
Slugs and snails are much lessactive during the winter months.
They may hibernate or seekshelter in protected places,
reducing their overall activitylevels in the garden.
(12:08):
It's important to note that,while activity may vary
seasonally, the presence ofslugs and snails can still be a
concern, especially in regionswith mild and wet climates.
Additionally, localised weatherconditions such as heavy
rainfall or unseasonably warmtemperatures can influence their
activity at any time of theyear.
(12:29):
So to effectively manage slugsand snails in your garden, it's
advisable to remain vigilant andimplement control measures when
their activity is heightened,particularly during the periods
of increased moisture and plantgrowth.
Are there any plants that repelslugs and snails naturally?
There are certain plants thatare believed to repel these
(12:52):
creatures naturally, but whiletheir repellent effects can vary
, incorporating these plantsinto your garden can help deter
them.
Plants that are said to deterslugs and snails due to their
strong aromatics includelavender, rosemary, thyme, sage,
mint, roux, chives, garlic andbasil, and there are others with
(13:17):
different qualities that snailsdon't like either, such as
fennel.
And then there's foxglove,which contains a toxin that can
deter slugs and snails.
While these plants may providesome level of repellent effect,
it's essential to understandthat no plant can guarantee
complete protection.
Moreover, individual resultsmay vary and other factors like
(13:37):
environmental conditions, theseverity of the infestation and
the overall garden ecosystem caninfluence the effectiveness of
these natural repellents.
Consider incorporating avariety of these plants into
your garden and experiment tosee which one works best in your
specific conditions.
Additionally, integratingmultiple pest control strategies
(13:58):
at the one time, such asbarriers and traps, can enhance
your overall slug and snailmanagement efforts.
Can mulching help deter slugsand snails?
It certainly can if you'reusing the right mulch.
Given that these creaturesprefer damp conditions, using
dry mulches like straw or woodchips can be really beneficial.
(14:20):
You can also create barrierswith certain mulches.
A healthy garden with mulch cansupport natural predators of
slugs and snails, but, on thenegative side of things, having
mulch that stays moist canactually attract them.
So, to summarise some tipschoose a dry mulch.
Opt for materials like straw orcrushed egg shells.
(14:41):
Leave gaps.
Keep a gap between mulch andplant stems to prevent pests
from using them as a bridge.
And methods use mulching alongwith hand picking natural
predators and barrier methodsfor better control and regular
inspection.
Check under the mulch for pestsduring the day and remove them
(15:01):
if you find any.
By using these mulching tips,you can create an environment
much less attractive to thesepests.
Lastly, I'd like to touch onachieving a balance between
controlling slugs and snailswhile maintaining a healthy
garden ecosystem.
The key is to embracesustainable and integrated
approaches that minimise harm tothe overall environment.
(15:22):
So I'm going to list a fewthings that can help in doing
this.
Number one respect theecosystem dynamics.
Acknowledge and appreciate thecomplexity of your garden
ecosystem.
Understand that every organism,even pests like slugs and
snails, play a role in thelarger ecological balance.
Number two try to useintegrated pest management.
(15:46):
Use it on a combination ofpreventative measures and
targeted interventions.
Avoid over-reliance on chemicalpesticides that can harm
non-target species and disruptthe natural balance of your
garden.
Three promote biodiversity.
Foster a diverse gardenenvironment that supports a
variety of plants, insects andother organisms.
(16:07):
A rich biodiversity helps innaturally controlling pest
population by maintaining a morecomplex and resilient ecosystem
.
Number four minimalenvironmental impact.
Prioritise methods of slug andsnail control that have minimal
environmental impact.
This might involve usingphysical barriers, natural
(16:29):
predators and organic solutionsinstead of harsher chemicals
that can be harmful tobeneficial insects and soil
health.
Number five observation andadaption.
Try to observe your garden tounderstand the dynamics between
pests and beneficial organisms.
Be willing to adapt yourstrategies based on the changing
(16:49):
needs of your garden and theeffectiveness of different
control methods that you'retrying.
Number six sustainable practices.
Try to implement sustainablegardening practices, things like
composting, mulching, waterconservation.
These practices contribute tothe overall health of the soil
and plants, making them moreresilient to pest pressures.
(17:11):
Number seven remember tocoexist with nature.
Embrace the idea of coexistingwith nature rather than trying
to completely eliminate pests.
Strive for a balanced ecosystemwhere the natural checks and
balances can help manage pestpopulations without causing harm
to the environment.
And lastly, education andawareness.
(17:33):
Stay informed about the biologyand behavior of pests, as well
as the broader ecosystem in yourgarden.
Educate yourself and othersabout the importance of
maintaining a healthy balance.
By adopting a holistic andthoughtful approach to pest
management, you can create agarden that not only thrives but
also contributes positively tothe surrounding environment.
(17:55):
Balancing control measures withan understanding of ecological
principles leads to a moresustainable and harmonious
gardening philosophy.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden-relatedtopic, then please connect with
us and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
Facebook, the Seed CollectionCommunity.
(18:17):
That name, again, is the SeedCollection Community.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the Seed
Collection in Melbourne,australia.
It's our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways we're doing that.
If you don't already know whowe are, jump online and visit
(18:38):
wwwTheSeedCollectioncomau.
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
as a huge range of seeds andgarden supplies and accessories.
That address, again, iswwwTheSeedCollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening and happygardening.
You're listening to how I Grow with the seed
collection, and today I'll betalking about how to deal with
slugs and snails in the garden.
Few pests cause quite so muchanguish to gardeners as slugs
and snails.
The damage they can cause toyour plants is swift and
(00:22):
decisive, often wiping out awhole row of seedlings in a
single night.
However, there is plenty youcan do to keep the population
under control.
You don't need to resort to thedreaded snail pellets which can
cause so much harm to benignwildlife.
First, it's helpful to knowexactly what you're up against
when it comes to these annoyingslimy creatures.
(00:43):
Both slugs and snails are inthe gastropod mollusk class of
animals, but despite theirsimilar appearances, they're not
very closely related andthey're a countless species of
each, even within their owngroups.
Of course, the most obviousdifference between the two is
that snails carry a shell whileslugs do not, but in terms of
(01:04):
size and colour there's such awide variety both within and
between the two families.
Nonetheless, their behavioursand control methods are broadly
similar enough that they can begrouped together in terms of
being garden pests.
It would probably be easier tolist the plants which are immune
to slug and snail attentionthan to mention all the ones at
(01:26):
risk.
They tend to ignore highlyaromatic herbs like lavender, as
well as hairy stemmed flowerslike geraniums.
They'll avoid euphobiaswherever possible and tend to
overlook ferns while they foragefor food.
But beyond this, virtually anytender young plant will be on
the menu, and plenty of olderones too.
(01:46):
There's no sure way to controlslugs and snails, and for many
gardeners it becomes almost asport to find new and ingenious
ways of deterring them.
However, here are seven of themost common methods which are
known to work, at least to someextent.
Number one Remove hiding places.
Both slugs and snails thrive indark and gloomy corners,
(02:09):
particularly ones filled withdamp and rotting organic
material.
And although you'll neverremove all of these spots from
your garden, keeping the areassurrounding your important beds
clean and tidy helps to keepslugs occupied elsewhere.
Number two Encourage birds.
As with so many pest problems,making your garden attractive to
(02:29):
local birds is a great help indealing with gastropods.
If you haven't already installsome bird feeders and baths and
try to keep them filled, withluck the birds will arrive for
an easy main course and take afew slugs and snails for dessert
.
Number three Raise chooks orducks If wild avians don't
(02:50):
provide enough air cover,consider raising chickens or
ducks if you have the space.
They rate the slimy mollusks asa delicacy, but be aware that
letting poultry roam your gardencan be just as destructive as
the pest problem you're tryingto cure.
Number four Nocturnal collection.
As you're going about yourgardening activities, it makes
(03:12):
sense to deal with any slugs andsnails as and when you come
across them.
So collect them in a bucket andtransfer them far away from
your patch.
Or, for the less squeamish, astomp with a heavy boot is quick
and often more effective.
Unfortunately, this will onlybe scratching the surface.
To really do some damage totheir numbers, make night time
(03:34):
patrols by torchlight tosurprise them as they feed under
the cover of darkness.
In particular, check out bedswith plenty of young, fresh
seedlings, as well as areasyou've recently watered, and
you'll be certain to find richpickings.
Number 5.
Set traps To make collectioneasier.
There are two types of trapsyou can lay.
(03:55):
The simplest is to leave halvesof orange or grapefruit peel
dotted around the problem areas,cut side down.
Slugs in particular will beattracted by the smell and will
slime their way inside to feedon the fruity pulp, making them
sitting targets.
A second method now a firm partof gardening law is to lay a
beer trap.
These are hugely tempting toboth slugs and snails.
(04:18):
The basic idea is to bury adeep saucer into the soil so
that it's level with the surface, then add a centimetre or two
of beer to the bottom.
The yeasty smell will draw thecreatures in, but after making
an accidental splash they'll beunable to escape.
This simple beer trap methodworks well, but you can make or
(04:39):
buy more advanced versions withcovers to keep the rain out and
the slugs in.
But in either case, remember tocollect and remove the contents
regularly, especially in warmerweather.
Number 6.
Barrier methods.
No matter how zealous you areat keeping the population down,
there will always be plenty ofgastropods left to go around.
(05:00):
Using barrier methods toprotect individual plants is
therefore a really sensibleprecaution.
Here are three ideas which manygardeners have found useful
Copper.
A band or ring of copper placedon the soil around the base of
vulnerable plants will give anygastropod a mild electric shock
if they try to cross over it.
This is usually enough to deterthem.
(05:21):
For containers, you can buycopper tape to wrap around the
rim to achieve the same effect.
However, in both cases, if anypart of the plant bends down and
touches the ground, the copperprotection will be null and void
.
Grit sand or eggshells For aless electric method, simply
sprinkle rough grit, sharp sandor crumbled eggshells around the
(05:44):
plant's bases.
This covering will hopefully betoo uncomfortable to crawl
across, although success rateswith this will vary.
Diatomaceous earth A moredependable variant on grit or
sand is to use a substancecalled diatomaceous earth.
This is an organic product madefrom tiny fossilised seashells
(06:04):
and on a microscopic scale it'sincredibly sharp and spiky.
Spreading this around yourplants should be a highly
effective deterrent to thetender undersides of all slugs
and snails, as well as manyinsect pets like earwigs Number
7.
Slug pellets.
As a last resort, spreadingslug and snail pellets and baits
(06:26):
around your garden can behelpful.
However, please be sure to usea modern, organic pellet based
on ferric phosphate rather thana less selective poison such as
metaldohyd, which risks harminginnocent wildlife.
With each of these methods,some people have great success,
while others see no positiveresults at all.
With slugs and snails posingsuch an ever-present problem, it
(06:49):
makes sense to incorporate asmany tactics as you can into
your gardening routine.
Now I'm going to go over some ofthe most common questions we
hear asked on this topic.
How do I identify if my gardenhas a slug or snail problem?
Identifying a slug or snailissue in your garden involves
(07:11):
observing the signs of theirpresence and the damage they
cause.
Here are some indicators Tuedleaves.
Look for irregular holes oredges on plant leaves.
Slugs and snails typically feedon the softer parts of plants,
leaving distinctive chew marksand slime trails.
Slugs and snails secrete amucus like slime as they move,
(07:33):
leaving shiny trails on surfaces.
Check for these trails onplants, soil or hard surfaces in
and around the garden.
Another sign is damagedseedlings.
Seedlings are often morevulnerable to slug and snail
damage.
If you notice small, newlyemerged plants being eaten or
damaged, slugs or snails couldbe the culprits.
(07:54):
Another thing to check for ishollowed fruits.
Check fruits for signs offeeding, especially on the
softer parts.
Slugs and snails may borrowinto fruits, causing damage.
They also create irregularholes in tubers or bowls.
If you have underground cropslike potatoes or bulbs, check
them for irregular holes ordamage that could indicate slug
(08:15):
or snail feeding.
There's also the presence ofeggs.
Slugs and snails lay clustersof translucent eggs.
Look for these eggs in hidden,moist areas such as the
undersides of leaves or in thesoil.
Inspect your plants regularlyfor any unusual signs.
These are signs of slugs likewilting or stunted growth, which
(08:35):
might be attributed to slugsand snails.
By paying attention to thesesigns, you can determine if they
are causing issues in yourgarden and take appropriate
measures to control theirpopulation.
Another question we've beenasked is are there specific
types of soil that attract moreslugs and snails?
And the answer to this is yes.
(08:56):
The type of soil in your gardencan heavily influence the
presence of slugs and snails.
Slugs and snails thrive in dampenvironments, so soil with high
moisture retention is reallyattractive to them.
Clay soils which hold waterwell can provide an ideal
habitat.
There's also organic mattercontent.
Soil rich in organic matter,such as decaying leaves and
(09:19):
plant debris, is also appealing.
They feed on the decomposingorganic material and find hiding
places in it too.
Ph levels Slugs and snails aregenerally adaptable to a range
of soil pH levels too.
However, slightly acidic toneutral soils, like with a pH
(09:39):
between 6.0 to 7.0, are oftenpreferred.
Conduct a soil test todetermine the pH of your soil.
There's also the texture.
Slugs and snails prefer soilswith a loose texture, making it
easier for them to move throughthe soil.
Sandy soils will be lessfavorable due to their drier
nature.
(10:01):
Mulch type the type of mulch youuse can also have an impact.
While mulching is beneficialfor moisture retention and weed
suppression, certain types ofmulch, especially organic
mulches like straw or bark, cancreate more favorable conditions
for slugs and snails.
The proximity to water sourcesis also really important.
(10:22):
Gardens close to water sources,such as ponds, streams or areas
with poor drainage may have ahigher slug and snail population
due to the increased moisture.
Slugs and snails also prefer amore shaded area in the garden
and they're more active in shadylocations too.
So to reduce slug and snailactivity in your garden,
(10:44):
consider modifying these soilconditions improve drainage,
reduce excess moisture andmanage organic matter carefully.
Additionally, creating dry andless favorable hiding spots can
help to discourage these pestsfrom establishing a significant
presence in your garden.
Are there certain times of theyear when slugs and snails are
(11:06):
more active?
Yes, the activity of slugs andsnails is influenced by various
environmental factors and theiractivity levels vary throughout
the year.
As a general guide, they dotend to be far less active in
the winter time and more activein the spring.
They're more active in springbecause temperatures rise and
(11:27):
moisture levels increase.
This is a critical time forthem to feed, mate and lay eggs.
Snail activity will continue inthe summer.
This is due to the warmertemperatures and increased
vegetation, which provides amplefood and hiding places.
But as the weather becomeshotter and drier toward the
later half of the season, youcan expect to see a decrease in
(11:48):
activity.
Slugs and snails may stillremain active in the autumn too.
This is their last window tocontinue feeding and laying eggs
before winter arrives.
Slugs and snails are much lessactive during the winter months.
They may hibernate or seekshelter in protected places,
reducing their overall activitylevels in the garden.
(12:08):
It's important to note that,while activity may vary
seasonally, the presence ofslugs and snails can still be a
concern, especially in regionswith mild and wet climates.
Additionally, localised weatherconditions such as heavy
rainfall or unseasonably warmtemperatures can influence their
activity at any time of theyear.
(12:29):
So to effectively manage slugsand snails in your garden, it's
advisable to remain vigilant andimplement control measures when
their activity is heightened,particularly during the periods
of increased moisture and plantgrowth.
Are there any plants that repelslugs and snails naturally?
There are certain plants thatare believed to repel these
(12:52):
creatures naturally, but whiletheir repellent effects can vary
, incorporating these plantsinto your garden can help deter
them.
Plants that are said to deterslugs and snails due to their
strong aromatics includelavender, rosemary, thyme, sage,
mint, roux, chives, garlic andbasil, and there are others with
(13:17):
different qualities that snailsdon't like either, such as
fennel.
And then there's foxglove,which contains a toxin that can
deter slugs and snails.
While these plants may providesome level of repellent effect,
it's essential to understandthat no plant can guarantee
complete protection.
Moreover, individual resultsmay vary and other factors like
(13:37):
environmental conditions, theseverity of the infestation and
the overall garden ecosystem caninfluence the effectiveness of
these natural repellents.
Consider incorporating avariety of these plants into
your garden and experiment tosee which one works best in your
specific conditions.
Additionally, integratingmultiple pest control strategies
(13:58):
at the one time, such asbarriers and traps, can enhance
your overall slug and snailmanagement efforts.
Can mulching help deter slugsand snails?
It certainly can if you'reusing the right mulch.
Given that these creaturesprefer damp conditions, using
dry mulches like straw or woodchips can be really beneficial.
(14:20):
You can also create barrierswith certain mulches.
A healthy garden with mulch cansupport natural predators of
slugs and snails, but, on thenegative side of things, having
mulch that stays moist canactually attract them.
So, to summarise some tipschoose a dry mulch.
Opt for materials like straw orcrushed egg shells.
(14:41):
Leave gaps.
Keep a gap between mulch andplant stems to prevent pests
from using them as a bridge.
And methods use mulching alongwith hand picking natural
predators and barrier methodsfor better control and regular
inspection.
Check under the mulch for pestsduring the day and remove them
(15:01):
if you find any.
By using these mulching tips,you can create an environment
much less attractive to thesepests.
Lastly, I'd like to touch onachieving a balance between
controlling slugs and snailswhile maintaining a healthy
garden ecosystem.
The key is to embracesustainable and integrated
approaches that minimise harm tothe overall environment.
(15:22):
So I'm going to list a fewthings that can help in doing
this.
Number one respect theecosystem dynamics.
Acknowledge and appreciate thecomplexity of your garden
ecosystem.
Understand that every organism,even pests like slugs and
snails, play a role in thelarger ecological balance.
Number two try to useintegrated pest management.
(15:46):
Use it on a combination ofpreventative measures and
targeted interventions.
Avoid over-reliance on chemicalpesticides that can harm
non-target species and disruptthe natural balance of your
garden.
Three promote biodiversity.
Foster a diverse gardenenvironment that supports a
variety of plants, insects andother organisms.
(16:07):
A rich biodiversity helps innaturally controlling pest
population by maintaining a morecomplex and resilient ecosystem
.
Number four minimalenvironmental impact.
Prioritise methods of slug andsnail control that have minimal
environmental impact.
This might involve usingphysical barriers, natural
(16:29):
predators and organic solutionsinstead of harsher chemicals
that can be harmful tobeneficial insects and soil
health.
Number five observation andadaption.
Try to observe your garden tounderstand the dynamics between
pests and beneficial organisms.
Be willing to adapt yourstrategies based on the changing
(16:49):
needs of your garden and theeffectiveness of different
control methods that you'retrying.
Number six sustainable practices.
Try to implement sustainablegardening practices, things like
composting, mulching, waterconservation.
These practices contribute tothe overall health of the soil
and plants, making them moreresilient to pest pressures.
(17:11):
Number seven remember tocoexist with nature.
Embrace the idea of coexistingwith nature rather than trying
to completely eliminate pests.
Strive for a balanced ecosystemwhere the natural checks and
balances can help manage pestpopulations without causing harm
to the environment.
And lastly, education andawareness.
(17:33):
Stay informed about the biologyand behavior of pests, as well
as the broader ecosystem in yourgarden.
Educate yourself and othersabout the importance of
maintaining a healthy balance.
By adopting a holistic andthoughtful approach to pest
management, you can create agarden that not only thrives but
also contributes positively tothe surrounding environment.
(17:55):
Balancing control measures withan understanding of ecological
principles leads to a moresustainable and harmonious
gardening philosophy.
If you have any questions orwould like to discuss this topic
or any other garden-relatedtopic, then please connect with
us and many other gardenenthusiasts in our group on
Facebook, the Seed CollectionCommunity.
(18:17):
That name, again, is the SeedCollection Community.
You've been listening to how IGrow, produced by the Seed
Collection in Melbourne,australia.
It's our aim to make gardeningmore accessible to more people,
and this podcast is one of themany ways we're doing that.
If you don't already know whowe are, jump online and visit
(18:38):
wwwTheSeedCollectioncomau.
You'll find a treasure trove ofgardening information, as well
as a huge range of seeds andgarden supplies and accessories.
That address, again, iswwwTheSeedCollectioncomau.
Thanks for listening and happygardening.
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