Spring and summer months attract various insects and wildlife to gardens, seeking shelter, warmth, and food. Gardeners who have nurtured their plants want to protect them from pests like slugs. For those avoiding chemical deterrents, gardening expert Adam Kirtland, known as View from the Potting Bench, shares four plants that naturally repel slugs.
Geums
Adam describes geums as the “number one” plant for warding off slugs. “Geums are gorgeous perennial plants that come back with beautiful blooms every single year,” he says. Their hairy stems, similar to tomatoes, deter slugs completely. Not only are they beautiful, but they also help keep slugs at bay.
Salvia
Adam explains that salvias are naturally oily, which puts off slugs. “They’re also quite rough, which they’re not keen on either,” he adds. This combination makes salvia an excellent choice for slug-prone gardens.
Heucheras
“This is one of my favourite plants ever, but slugs absolutely detest them,” Adam says. Heuchera foliage is both waxy and leathery, unlike the immature growth slugs prefer. Edging beds with heucheras can also protect plants behind them.
Ferns
The gardening expert notes that slugs “absolutely cannot stand” ferns. With a tough exterior and scratchy leaves, ferns are unappealing for slugs to slide over.
In the video’s comments, Adam suggests additional plants: lavender, sedum, geraniums, ornamental grasses, euphorbia, penstemon, and rosemary, all of which deter slugs through strong scents, thick leaves, or rough textures.
