Slugs are a hot topic among gardeners and especially those growing food. I first wrote about them in 2018 when I was getting used to having an allotment. My balcony growing experience, up to that point, had very limited slug issues!
As anyone with a growing space in the UK knows, 2024 was a terrible year for slugs. They ate almost everything. Even Jerusalem Artichokes, that I had thought were unstoppable.
New Tricks
Over the last few years I have added a few extra lines of defence that work for me, most of the time.
Copper tape on cloches
I buy copper tape in a roll. Then add it to covers like these. Containers are obtained from friends, neighbours, or work, and cut up as needed.
New Baby Plant Rescue Service
If a new baby plant is being badly attacked by slugs. I will dig it up, pop it in a pot in my shed, and nurse it back to health before trying again. I tired this for the first time last year and had good success.
This kale almost died last year, but recovered well in the “shed hospital”. This meant it went in to the ground later than it should, so it was quite slow growing over winter. But has perked up a lot in spring. As you can see this plant has the “triple defence system”, foil, a slug ring and an outer collar with copper tape!
Tried and tested methods
These are my go to defences for new baby plants;
Slug rings
I have found these to be crucial to brassicas and leafy vegetables. Makes the difference between the plant getting going and being strong enough to fend them off and being completely eaten!
I get mine from a small company, Slug Rings, based in Somerset who only specialise in Slug Rings! Very high quality product.
My recently discovered tip is to give the slug rings a good scrub in between uses, this helps revitalise them and ensure they work effectively.
Slug traps
These are sunk into the soil and filled with a solution of water, sugar, flour and yeast. I change the liquid every two weeks. It’s cheaper and more sustainable than buying beer. I cover them to reduce evaporation or dilution by rain.
Covers for seeds
For vulnerable seeds I sow direct into the soil, like beetroot, I cover them with an up turned fruit punnet, with holes in it! I pin this down using a metal garden pin or stick. Once the plants are big enough I remove the cover.
Picking the slugs off
When arriving early at the allotment to water I check for slugs. They will often still be active if it’s early enough and the dew is still wet. I keep a small piece of wood on each bed. Slugs will often go under the wood so are easy to pick off. I usually dispatch them to the compost heap where they can’t do any damage. However if one is found mid munch of a living plant then it’s the slug trap for them!
New for 2025 – Chilli Spray!
Thanks to the Seed Sistas for this inspiration.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 of fresh strong chillies
- 1 tablespoon of washing up liquid
- 1 litre of boiling water.
To make:
- Thinly slice the chillis and place in a heat proof jar or jug
- Pour over the washing up liquid and fill with the boiling water
- Leave to soak for 24 hours or overnight
- Strain and fill a spray bottle.
- Spray on soil around your plants to reduce slug interest.
I’ll let you know how this goes, as my baby plants from Rocket Gardens arrive soon.
Good news
2025 has so far been drier, and colder at night, than 2024, so the slug population shouldn’t hopefully get huge, like it did last year. But I’m still being vigilant!
What do you use to keep slugs from eating your plants?
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