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Snails and Slugs

Sheila AllderSheila Allder Posts: 56
edited August 2022 in Problem solving
Someone suggested a few weeks back that I try Cucumber chopped up in foil trays to deter these pests, but guess what? they ate the Cucumber lol, alot of it so now I am buying Cucumbers 6 at a time and just slicing them up and sprinkling them all around my plants. I know some might say I am encouraging them but I don't think so, as they would come anyway. I just hope that they have enough interest in the Cucumber to leave the Plants alone! And it's not costing a fortune either.

Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Made me smile @Sheila Allder  Have a look at the thread Snail Lovers Society if you require further proof  :D  
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    My pet snails live only on cucumber. 
    Who suggested it as a deterrent 😀 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    A Cucumber salesperson @Lyn - similar to a DG salesperson but a bit cheaper :D
  • LynLyn Posts: 23,190
    Sheila,  you could try runner or French bean leaves if you’re growing those,  they like those as well.  Or some sacrificial lettuce. 
    Gardening on the wild, windy west side of Dartmoor. 

  • JacksGardenJacksGarden Posts: 36
    edited August 2022
    Beer traps are good.

    Fill a pot or jar half way with the cheapest lager money can buy (all lager is good for anyway - or so this real ale drinker thinks!) and bury it so the top is roughly level with the soil.

    The slugs will be attracted by the smell (which they find irresistible because clearly they have no taste) will fall in and drown. Works well and no nasty chemicals to hurt the local wildlife (except the drowned slugs and snails, obviously but that's sort of the aim of the game).
    Gardener of a driveway pot garden - flowers one side, veg the other and a car in the middle. I am so looking forward to the day we can move into a house with a bigger garden.
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    I wonder if we continue with hot dry summers we will let slugs and snails do their own thing. I haven't seen any slugs for months in my garden. When everywhere is so dry it is a wet food for birds and other creatures.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Sheila AllderSheila Allder Posts: 56
    Thank you everyone,  Will definitely chop up some more stuff they like and plant the cans with beer
  • bcpathomebcpathome Posts: 1,313
    Blimey ! You’ll be offering them cocktails next🤣😂
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    JacksGarden said:
    Beer traps are good.

    Fill a pot or jar half way with the cheapest lager money can buy (all lager is good for anyway - or so this real ale drinker thinks!) and bury it so the top is roughly level with the soil.

    The slugs will be attracted by the smell (which they find irresistible because clearly they have no taste) will fall in and drown. Works well and no nasty chemicals to hurt the local wildlife (except the drowned slugs and snails, obviously but that's sort of the aim of the game).
    Out of interest they don't drown because they can survive under water.
    They die of alcoholic poisoning, but what a way to go! 
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