Gardening is one of life's simple pleasures, offering both the satisfaction of hard work and the pure joy of watching your plants flourish. However, nothing can be more frustrating than when all that effort is undone by pesky snails and slugs. These slimy critters can devastate your healthy plants in no time, leaving your garden looking far less inviting.
As with most things, I am always trying to find the most sustainable and natural solutions. I recently discovered that traditional slug repellents often contain a chemical called metaldehyde, which is toxic and harmful to wildlife, children, and the environment. Even for adults, it can cause significant harm. This has compelled me to seek out healthier alternatives.
Luckily, there are natural, safe, and effective solutions to keep snails and slugs at bay. Here are my top tips for controlling them naturally:
How to Protect Your Plants from Snails
Lay down natural grit—eggshells or seashells are great eco-friendly options. Snails don’t like to travel over rough ground, so laying down natural grit will protect your beautiful plants from damage. I personally love using crushed oyster shells as a pot dressing under my plants. When sprinkled around the base, these shells are a marvelous natural deterrent, full of micronutrients that can even help with soil structure and drainage.
How to Prevent Snails in Your Garden
The most common way to repel snails and slugs from your garden is to use a repellent. Instead of reaching for a traditional option, try a natural repellent. A non-toxic, safe option will deter slugs and snails from feasting on your prized plants in a much gentler and equally effective way. For instance, Pine Essential Oil (Pinus Sylvestris) is a brilliant biodegradable deterrent. Alternatively, you can use pine needles, old Christmas tree conifers, or even garlic cloves, safe in the knowledge that you are also protecting the planet.
How to Prevent Slugs and Snails Naturally
Another option is to create an environment that snails and slugs hate. Certain plants will put them off their supper and cause them to retreat. Consider planting Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s mantle), Anemone x hybrida (Japanese anemone), Aquilegias (Columbine), Bergenia (Elephant's ears), Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding heart), Digitalis purpurea (Foxgloves), and Salvias (Sage). Or, create a tasty distraction by planting a sacrificial row of plants they love, which will act as a decoy to protect your most beloved plants.
If you're looking for more natural ways to keep your garden and home free from pests, these posts might be of interest:
- Explore natural methods to repel clothes moths.
- Uncover effective ways to naturally deter spiders in your home.
- Get advice on eliminating ants without using harmful chemicals.
- Learn how to naturally protect your plants by getting rid of aphids.
Talk soon,
Bella x