A gardening expert has shared four plants that can be added to your garden to naturally deter slugs without using chemicals. As warmer spring and summer months attract various insects and wildlife to gardens, gardeners often seek ways to protect their plants from pests like slugs. Adam Kirtland, known as View from the Potting Bench, has revealed his preferred plants for keeping slugs at bay organically.
Geums: The Top Choice
Adam describes geums as the "number one" plant for warding off slugs. These perennial plants return with beautiful blooms each year. The key to their slug-repelling ability is their hairiness. Adam explains: "Geums have hairy stems all across the whole plant. That hairiness is enough to turn a slug off completely." Geums are both attractive and effective as a natural deterrent.
Salvia: Naturally Oily
Salvias are another excellent choice because they are naturally oily, which deters slugs. Adam notes that salvias are also quite rough, which slugs dislike. Adding these plants to your garden can help protect your flowers from slug damage.
Heucheras: Waxy and Leathery
Heucheras are a personal favorite of Adam, but slugs detest them. The foliage of heucheras is waxy and leathery, making it unappealing to slugs. Adam suggests that edging beds with heucheras can also protect plants behind them. He says: "Heuchera foliage is both waxy and leathery, and slugs much prefer the immature growth of new plants, not like heucheras."
Ferns: Tough and Scratchy
Ferns are another plant that slugs "absolutely cannot stand." Adam compares their texture to heucheras, noting that the tough exterior and scratchiness of fern leaves make them difficult for slugs to slide over. He says: "Similar to a heuchera, a fern has got a really tough exterior, but it's actually the scratchiness of the leaf that they don't like sliding all over."
Additional Plants to Consider
In the comments of his video, Adam also suggested other plants that can deter slugs, including lavender, sedum, geraniums, ornamental grasses, euphorbia, penstemon, and rosemary. These plants have strong scents, thick leaves, or rough textures that make them less attractive to slugs.
By incorporating these plants into your garden, you can enjoy a beautiful, slug-free display without resorting to chemical repellents.
