As autumn brings more rain to the UK, gardeners are looking for effective ways to protect their plants from slugs. Gardening expert Monty Don advises against harsh chemicals that can harm wildlife, recommending instead a "small slug-free cold frame or table" to raise plants and make checking for slugs easier.
Natural Methods Recommended
Monty suggests picking slugs off by hand, especially when they are most active. Checking the garden after dark, early in the morning, or after rainfall is best, as slugs are more likely to be out feeding then.
Rather than relying on chemicals, Monty advocates creating a wildlife-friendly garden where natural slug predators can thrive. Frogs, toads, newts, birds, hedgehogs, and beetles can all help keep slug numbers under control. Monty has specifically highlighted newts as useful slug predators.
Organic Products Available
For those who prefer a product-based approach, several chemical-free options are on the market. Provanto's Organic Approved Slug and Snail Killer is currently available on Amazon for £7.94. The 800g pack of pellets delivers swift results against slugs and snails while protecting flowers, vegetables, and other plants.
Provanto states that the pellets offer 'professional-strength' performance and are safe to use around dogs, pets, and garden wildlife when applied correctly. The company notes that the pellets eradicate slugs and snails without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Alternatively, the EcoWidow Slug and Snail Repellant Spray is reduced on Amazon from £15.99 to £14.39. This spray boasts triple-strength snail killer and offers a different option to pellets. The Nemaslug Slug Killer is also available for £16.99, an organic nematode solution that claims to be swift, effective, and environmentally friendly for children, pets, and wildlife.
Customer Experiences
Customers who purchased the Provanto Organic Approved Slug and Snail Killer have shared mixed reviews. One shopper wrote: "I have a small patio and for a year I have tried everything to reduce the number of slugs. There were evenings when I collected more than 20 slugs by hand. I tried everything and nothing worked, till I got this product. I haven't seen a slug in weeks with one single application. Yes, it is possible that this might attract some rats... But if you don't need to apply often I would say it worth it."
Another added: "Bought these are they are organic and safe to use for wildlife. Weather has been very dry but after hosing the allotment plot every other evening there has not been any slug or snail damage so would say they are working well and are easy to use."
A third remarked: "Seemed to do the trick, not seen any slugs since we put these pellets down." A fourth noted: "After the initial interest I really had no way to tell if it was a one off or what's going on until a couple days later when I saw multiple dead slugs. Another noticeable thing is that my pansies are blooming nicely compared to being eaten immediately like it was before. I'll keep an eye out for the population of slugs and reapply if necessary, but so far I'm happy."
A fifth commented: "Look no further than these, solved my slug and snail issues." A sixth wrote: "Yes it absolutely does work, but a little patience is needed due to the slugs or snails having to eat the pellets. Last few days, I've noticed a number of slugs laying dead in areas they'd normally retreat from in daylight. Squashed a few and the blue pellet stuff came out - it's working! Update: A few months later, no snails or slugs just beautiful flowers and plants."
However, one less satisfied customer commented: "The recipe or ingredients for this has been changed it now attracts birds who eat the pellets? ? Glad they dont affect them BUT if the birds eat them then they don't reduce my Slug and snail issue as designed." Another remarked: "Not sure if it works or not! They keep disappearing? Slightly concerned it's birds or mice eating them."
