Slugs and snails are enemy number one to gardeners, happily munching their way through the flower borders leaving behind a trail of devastation and frustrated gardeners.
Organic slugs / snails deterrents
Being vigilant and checking frequently for the pesky invaders around pots and under leaves will help keep numbers down as will using various organic deterrents like beer or wine traps and grit around plants but by growing plants that slugs and snails don’t find appetising is an effective stress-free alternative.
Generally, both these slimy pests dislike plants with tough stems and hairy or waxy foliage. Highly fragranced plants also do not appeal to them.
Ferns are a very unpalatable meal for them, even though these plants grow in areas usually shaded and damp, a favourite habitat for snails.
Slug / Snail proof plant choices :
Verbena Bonariensis, with its rough leaves and stems hold no interest for pests, and the clusters of tiny flowers are favourites of butterflies.
Rudbekias have hairy leaves that will remain unmunched while the flowers bloom in their vibrant colours.
Ever-popular Geraniums and Perlagoliums are loved by bees but avoided by slugs.
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla Mollis) has furry leaves which will repel any pests.
Aquilegias will also escape the attention of slugs and snails, as will Salvias, which have a distinct aroma in their leaves.
Hellebores are great slug-proof plants with their tough inedible foliage.
Dianthus, ideal for rockeries, containers and front of borders are not attractive to any pests in the garden.
Foxgloves (Digitalis) are toxic to humans, animals, slugs and snails.
Lavenders, loved by bees, and strongly scented, are completely inedible and untouched by slimy munchers.
Roses have a natural barrier to attack from slugs and snails with their thorny stems and tough leaves.
Rosemary also repels slugs with its very strongly fragranced and unpalatable foliage, a valuable addition to the herb or veggie garden, along with Chives, Thyme and Basil.
Most varieties of Succulents are not attractive as a meal for snails or slugs, although an occasional nibble is sometimes attempted!