Slugs

I've tried dozens of ways of controlling slugs and I've been sent hundreds of pet remedies, most of which I've tried. Not one of them is ever going to give complete control but some are definitely worth the extra effort they entail to at least reduce the population. I've already mentioned hoeing, particularly early in the season, to turn up eggs which will be eaten by birds.

If you have a slug attack in one area in your garden this is a quick method to reduce the numbers . Take one black bin liner place on the ground in between your tender plants, then place two lettuce which are well pass there sales date. Read more...	Soil conditions Slugs need spaces to move through the soil; creating a good fine tilth will discourages them. Moving the soil surface with a rake in winter will expose many slugs and their eggs to frost damage. Read more...

Collection is a never-ending job but can still be quite effective in protecting particularly vulnerable crops, especially young seedlings. The most convenient way, I found, was to put a few boards down near the crops. They can be turned over first thing each morning and dozens of slugs are generally to be found sheltering underneath. Pick them up and either put them in a jar of paraffin or transport them somewhere a long way away where they will not harm other folk's plants.

Mulching around plants with soot is quite a good defence but, with the increasing popularity of central heating, it's becoming a scarce commodity. Lime is also effective though not to be recommended because ofits effect on the soil acidity. I have found coarse pine bark to have some deterrent effect.

Special young plants can be protected quite well with plastic bottles or, for larger plants, with the piece of rigid plastic glued into a circle that I suggested for carrot-fly control. Make sure you push the plastic well into the ground because slugs can burrow quite effectively.