A gardener has shared a natural slug deterrent method that she says “actually works” to keep slugs and snails away from her dahlias. The technique involves making a garlic water spray, which she says “instantly repels” the pests.
Gardener's Garlic Water Success
Gail Morgan visited the Gardening UK Facebook page to describe her battle with preventing slugs and snails from attacking her dahlias. She revealed she had already experimented with countless slug and snail repellents, yet none had proved effective until recently.
Gail wrote: “I have to share this win - I can confirm garlic water instantly repels and keeps the slugs and snails away! I have not been able to get my dahlias to grow at all this year, as soon as there was a shoot it was eaten.”
Pet-Friendly and Cheap
Having a dog, she needed pet-friendly options. She added: “I tried wool pellets, copper tape, gel, and midnight hunts but I could not get rid of them. I made a garlic water spray once a day and it worked brilliantly. I'm just so pleased it works.”
Group members replied to the post with their opinions on this tip, and numerous people were enthusiastic about it. Michelle Kelly remarked: “Brilliant, this brings me much hope that the garlic spray I made earlier today will save my dahlias. I've lost so many already.”
Other Gardeners Confirm
Alex Duxbury revealed: “I think I read once that was what the gardeners use at Buckingham Palace to look after their gardens and keep pests away.” Deborah Davies shared her experience: “My Dad tried mixing garlic paste with water this year and watering his hostas with it and yes it worked.”
Karen Quinn expressed gratitude: “Garlic spray definitely helps on hostas but I hadn't thought to try it on the dahlias. It's so cheap too. I picked a garlic bulb up at Sainsbury's for 24p.”
Rose Gilbert disclosed her method: “I've been putting pine cones around my hydrangeas. Apparently will help keep blue as well as keep slugs off as it acts as mulch too. I think this has been working but I'm definitely going to try the garlic on the hostas. Someone else recommended this technique and it works for them too.” Lucy Lu testified: “Yes I have tried it too. It's effective but needs sort of daily application.”
How to Make the Spray
Gail, when asked about preparing the garlic mixture, advised: “I've just used a saucepan of water to half a bulb of garlic, and it has worked wonders! Just put it into a spray bottle and spray when I water my plants.” Even experts at Sienna Hosta endorse the effectiveness of garlic water, using it as a “slug deterrent” and suggesting a weekly application.
