Slugs can be a gardener’s biggest nemesis as they can destroy beloved plants and contaminate crops, but there is a simple method to keep them away.
These slimy creatures can still be a problem in December as the weather is still damp and mild enough that it is the ideal environment for them to reproduce.
Many gardeners can resort to using chemical pellets to get rid of slugs but it is recommended to avoid this as it can greatly harm local animals such as pets, neighbourhood cats and any wildlife.
Colin Campbell-Preston, a gardening expert from Capital Gardens, has instead urged gardeners to consider taking a more natural approach and grow certain plants that slugs “absolutely hate” that can stop them coming into a garden.
He said: “Why not introduce plants which the little blighters hate? This is an elegant solution which means you can reduce the number of slimy visits your garden receives without having to harm any little lives.”
Using plants to deter slugs is not only environmentally friendly but highly effective as these pesky critters are sensitive to certain smells, textures and chemicals in plants that will keep them away permanently.
Which plants should you grow to keep slugs out of your garden?
Ferns
Ferns are known for their big leathery leaves that have fine hairs which slugs can find extremely uncomfortable to crawl on or chew. Not only do ferns act as a physical barrier, but they also taste extremely bitter to insects and keep slugs away, as it can convince them there are no available food sources nearby.
David said: “Low maintenance, incredibly hardy and well down the slug and snail menu; ferns make an attractive, hassle-free addition to the garden.
“It’s the thick and difficult-to-chew leaves of ferns which put off slug and snail visitors from having a good munch.”
Lavender
Lavender is one of the most effective plants to have in your garden due to its scent. It smells wonderful to humans, but slugs absolutely detest it. This pretty flower contains linalool, which slugs can find overwhelming. They will likely stay away from an area due to how uncomfortable it makes them.
David said: “Slugs and snails are also known to have a dislike for plants with a strong fragrance, and lavender definitely gets up their collective nose.
“Whilst many humans adore the rich smell of lavender in their garden and around their home, garden-dwelling molluscs will be turned off.”
Many garden herbs with strong scents, such as mint or rosemary, can also keep slugs away due to their powerful fragrance. These herbs also tend to be easy to care for, making them perfect for a slug deterrent.
Hydrangeas
Not only are hydrangeas stunning plants, but they are also practical due to their woody stems, which slugs cannot climb on without great difficulty.
Slugs are usually drawn to areas with easy access to moisture, sugars or young growth easy to eat, and having plants difficult to chew on will make it less likely for them to stay in your garden.
David said: “The delicate pink, white and blue flowers of the hydrangea plant may look beautiful to you or I, but they are not a welcome sight for our slug and snail friends.”
