Monty Don's Natural Approach to Slug Control
Gardening expert Monty Don has shared his natural method for keeping slugs away from plants, advising gardeners to avoid chemical pellets and instead use eco-friendly techniques. In an April 2024 blog post, Don explained that slugs and snails, while often seen as pests, play a vital role in recycling waste vegetative matter. He noted that over 30 species of slug exist in the UK, with four main garden varieties, and that slug densities can exceed 250,000 per acre.
Why Avoid Chemical Slug Pellets?
Don strongly advises against using slug pellets or any chemicals that could harm wildlife. Instead, he recommends using a small, slug-free cold frame or table to raise tender young plants, checking for slugs daily. This method prevents damage without introducing toxins into the garden ecosystem.
Feeding and Growing Practices
Don emphasizes that gardeners should not overfeed plants. He states: “Do not feed plants more than is absolutely necessary and always feed the soil, not the plant. This will avoid a spurt of soft, sappy growth that slugs love. Without stressing them with sudden temperature or cultivation changes, grow your plants as ‘hard’ as possible, which means do not mollycoddle them.”
Encouraging Natural Predators
The gardening expert also advises encouraging a wide range of predators into the garden. Don has masses of thrushes, frogs, toads, beetles, centipedes, shrews, and a few hedgehogs to help control slug numbers. He adds: "This needs plenty of cover, an avoidance of toxic chemicals, such as slug pellets, and a degree of tolerance for collateral damage."
Understanding Slug Behavior
Don explains that slugs live largely underground in damp soil, while snails live above ground in dark nooks like brickwork or yew hedges. He notes that what gardeners see is only a tiny percentage of the population, emphasizing the importance of natural control methods over chemical interventions.
