A gardener has shared a homemade garlic water spray that she says instantly repels slugs and snails, protecting dahlias after numerous other deterrents failed. Gail Morgan posted on the Gardening UK Facebook page that the simple kitchen remedy "actually works" and has allowed her dahlias to grow for the first time this year.
Morgan explained that she had tried wool pellets, copper tape, gel, and "midnight hunts" without success. Because she owns a dog, she needed a pet-friendly option. She 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."
Other gardeners confirm the remedy
Fellow group members responded enthusiastically, with several confirming the technique works on their own plants. Michelle Kelly commented: "Brilliant, this brings me much hope that the garlic spray I made earlier today will save my dahlias. I've lost so many already." Deborah Davies shared that her father mixed garlic paste with water and watered his hostas with it, and it worked. Karen Quinn noted the spray is "so cheap too," adding that she picked up a garlic bulb at Sainsbury's for 24p.
Alex Duxbury suggested the method may have royal credentials, writing: "I think I read once that was what the gardeners use at Buckingham Palace to look after their gardens and keep pests away." Rose Gilbert mentioned using pine cones around her hydrangeas as mulch but said she plans to try garlic on her hostas after the recommendation.
How to make the garlic spray
When asked about preparation, Morgan 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." Lucy Lu testified that the spray is effective but "needs sort of daily application."
Specialists at Sienna Hosta also endorse garlic water as a "slug deterrent," suggesting weekly applications. Slugs and snails are particularly prevalent during mild and damp conditions and can consume several times their own body weight in a single day, making them a persistent threat to garden plants.
