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Suggestions for slug-proof perennials please

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by Heucherella, Jun 3, 2017.

  1. luciusmaximus

    luciusmaximus Total Gardener

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    I use seawed collected from my local beach to protect two recently planted Hostas. Seems to be working or the slugs haven't realised they are there yet.
     
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    • Irmemac

      Irmemac Total Gardener

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      Interesting.... Thank you.
       
    • Verdun

      Verdun Passionate gardener

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      Yes, raw seaweed does deter slugs n snails.
      Used to gather masses of it from our local beach and use it as a thick mulch in autumn and winter.
      The texture and salt content is ideal and come the spring it breaks down to provide an excellent fertiliser :)
       
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      • Irmemac

        Irmemac Total Gardener

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        Sounds good. Not too long back from the Western Isles.... if I'd known that I would probably have tried to bring back a load of seaweed in the car. It's probably best I didn't!
        :poo:
         
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        • Sheal

          Sheal Total Gardener

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          Good to hear Irmemac. Thank goodness my suggestion hasn't let you down. :)
           
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          • Irmemac

            Irmemac Total Gardener

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            :yikes: I'm horrified to report that following an after work stroll round the garden I noticed that the coreopsis is missing all the new leaves on one side of the plant, and a few in the centre, closer to the soil, look nibbled on. After over a week of being left untouched it looks like they have found it. I'm going to keep it in the greenhouse through the night for the next while, until it gets stronger. However, they've crossed a line now, so I have created a couple of beer traps and put them outside to see what happens. They might die happy, but at least they (or at least some) will die! I am really disappointed because the tin foil collar was working a treat.
            :stirpot:
             

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            • Verdun

              Verdun Passionate gardener

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              Tin foil is NOT the solution in my opinion. I suspect small slugs are the culprits prob hiding under the foil. A copper barrier, if kept clear of earth, is effective.
              Keeping in gh is not either......it produces lush foliage ideal for slugs etc; besides it is an outdoor plant and needs to be there.
              I grow several hostas and all are intact. ....I posted pictures earlier today of a couple of my hostas in pots but I could just as easily posted pics of hostas in the ground untouched by slugs. Lettuce, another favourite for slugs, is also intact. I have already outlined what I do but a torch at night will control these pests Irmemac.
              Ha ha, you sound on the warpath now Irmemac :love30:
               
            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              Oh, I'm sorry @Irmemac ! :sad: I thought we'd got it sussed. Perhaps Verdun's suggestion is worth a try, a copper band around the outside of the pot, but even that's not a 100% surety against these beasts! :doh:
               
              Last edited: Aug 15, 2017
            • Verdun

              Verdun Passionate gardener

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              A friend of mine had a treasured old fashioned, sentimental violet. She tried numerous methods to protect it. I used a circle of copper pipe around it and it has thrived ever since...prob 4 years or so now. Not practical on everything but for specially valued specimens it works well
              Sheal....:).... to be honest nothing seems 100% effective ...I guess that is why this is such a frustratingly perennial question
               
              Last edited: Aug 15, 2017
            • Ned

              Ned Evaporated

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              My suggestion was actually WD 40....haven`t tried it yet, but read it on the tin. It says...''Prevents slugs climbing plant pots'' :dunno:
               
            • Sheal

              Sheal Total Gardener

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              Sorry @Tetters! Brain cell failure and post now altered. :doh::biggrin:
               
            • Irmemac

              Irmemac Total Gardener

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              Thanks folks! Right. I'm going to take the coreopsis out tomorrow and stick it on top of an upturned plant pot, complete with its tinfoil collar, as the collar was effective, and spray the foil/base of pot with WD40. I've had no luck whatsoever with copper slug tape, but perhaps it needs to be real copper. Sorry coreopsis - too pricey for you :sad:

              Just about to head out for an inspection of the beer traps. Hope I have a good head count!!
               
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              • Ned

                Ned Evaporated

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                You may need an emergency ward for pickled hedgehogs, a neighbour brought one to me last year - she was very worried, and said the poor little chap fell off her wall and was acting strangely. After loads of TLC and a trip to the vet we decided that the hog was drunk. When he got rid of his hangover the next day he was as bright as a button. When we released him again I imagine he went straight back to the ''pub'' with the slugs :yahoo:
                 
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                • Irmemac

                  Irmemac Total Gardener

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                  That is hilarious! Beer battered bar snacks...!! Here is one of my 2 hours old beer traps.... gaah!
                   

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                • Ned

                  Ned Evaporated

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                  [​IMG]Yum yum, SO nutritious in a stew..;)
                   
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