Monty Don, the renowned gardener, has shared eco-friendly methods to protect gardens from slugs and snails, which can cause significant damage during spring and summer. He warns that these pests target plants, fruits like strawberries and tomatoes, and can destroy entire harvests.
Writing on his blog, Don described slugs and snails as "gardeners' public enemy number one," but highlighted their role in recycling waste. He advises against using slug pellets because they harm other wildlife. Instead, he recommends using a cold frame or tape to protect young plants, checking daily for slugs.
Don suggests feeding the soil rather than the plant to avoid soft, sappy growth that attracts slugs. He also encourages growing plants "hard" without stressing them, and attracting natural predators such as thrushes, frogs, toads, beetles, centipedes, shrews, and hedgehogs. Crushed eggshells or gravel can be used as barriers, and crops can be grown in hanging baskets.
Gardening expert Shannen Godwin from J Parker's adds that certain plants like roses, ferns, hydrangeas, and grasses deter slugs, and companion planting with aromatic herbs like mint and chives can help protect seedlings.
