Garden Slugs Repellent Charlottesville VA

Garden Slugs

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By Jody Berman

Garden Slugs

Q I have slugs in my garden. Are there natural methods that can control them?

A Yes. Most garden pests and weeds can be controlled without applying chemical pesticides. Here are some tips to keep slugs from damaging seedlings, lettuce and other plants.

“Healthy soil is very important,” says Eileen Weinsteiger, manager of the Rodale Institute’s demonstration gardens in Kutztown, Pa. Enrich your soil with nutrient-rich compost in both the spring and fall, Weinsteiger advises. Healthy soil will improve chances for growing healthy plants that will have strong natural defenses against slugs.

Additionally, slugs like dampness but not heat. Weinsteiger recommends laying green grass clippings where you’ve spotted slugs. As the clippings heat up, they become more abrasive, and slugs don’t like the texture. Or sprinkle gritty substances like diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells or sand around slug hangouts. Wear a mask when using diatomaceous earth, cautions Weinsteiger (the fine particles can get into the lungs), and reapply after rain.

Stale beer set in shallow containers attracts slugs, which will drown in the brew. And copper strips used as a barrier emit an electrical charge to repel them.

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