‘Avoid,’ gardening pro says as she lists the slug magnets in your garden and the hedges you should never buy
WITH summer right around the corner, many green-fingered Brits have been working extra hard to make their outdoor space ready for the warmer season.
But unfortunately, sometimes all the hard work can be instantly destroyed by an unwelcome guest – pesky slugs that munch on almost everything in their sight.
However, whilst there are a number of hacks to keep them away, such as using beer traps, in some cases it’s all to do with the plants you’ve added to your garden.
Here to help is The Sun‘s very own whizz and Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, who’s listed six popular plants that could cause you quite the headache.
”The joy of gardening is ‘giving it a go’ and seeing what happens – with half the fun about getting things in the ground,” said Veronica, who admitted that she doesn’t want to ”discourage anyone from planting anything”.
”What doesn’t work in other people’s outside space might just be brilliant in yours.
”But there are a few plants that might be worth swerving if you’re just starting out and want to see some success.”
Hostas
With their delicate lilac blooms, Hosta – also known as the Plantain Lillies – is a popular pick for many gardening enthusiasts.
But as stunning as this shade-tolerant plant is, Veronica noted that it’s a ”surefire hit with slugs”.
”Hosta’s need some serious protection from our slimey friends.
”One minute they’re glowing beautifully green in your garden – the next they’re razed to the ground by ravenous molluscs.”
Dahlias
Sadly, this is yet another firm favourite for hungry slugs and snails, the pro warned, ”which is why you often don’t put them in the ground until they’ve really got going”.
”Otherwise you’ll be left sobbing over an expensive stub of green in your garden.
”They’re also quite tricky in terms of overwintering, pinching out and digging up after, so make sure you read up on how they grow best before attempting them.”
Crocosmia
These multi-flowered perennials come in a range of fiery colours and are said to thrive in a range of soil types, in sun or partial shade.
But whilst in theory this make for the perfect gardening addition, Veronica warned that this ”tropical beauty” can easily become the main element of the garden.
”Without some serious bulb removal it can take over your garden so worth keeping an eye on it’s spread.”
Buxus
”The days of knot gardens and Victorian planting schemes are over – Buxus hedging all over the UK is being completely decimated by Box Caterpillars and moths.
”Rip out and avoid at all costs.”
5 easy ways to stop slugs from wreaking havoc in your garden
pest control experts Green Protect have shared five humane and easy ways to stop the backyard beasts from destroying your garden.
- Copper tape: “Copper tape deters the pests by giving them a small electrostatic shock not causing any serious harm or long-term damage, but is enough to stop them from attacking your plants.”
- Barrier pellets: According to the gurus, the slimey garden enemies find it impossible to slither over these pellets, which deter them without hurting them.
- Don’t grow hostas: “If you find your hostas plants are being eaten year after year, it might simply be time to move on to less susceptible plants like aquilegia or foxgloves.”
- Enlist their enemies: The pros added that if you bury a pint of beer near your plants, slugs will be unable to resist the aroma – and will eventually drown.
- Distract them with treats: Slugs are no different to us and love a treat, especially if that’s an orange or a cucumber peel. Simply scatter them around, so that slugs are full up by the time they notice your plants.
Hydrangea
Shrubby hydrangeas are a popular pick to brighten borders with their delicate, long-lasting flowers that come in shades of pink, white or blue.
But despite their beauty, Veronica explained why Hydrangeas are a no-no if you’ve got a four-legged friend.
”They may look absolutely stunning, but if you’ve got pets – avoid – they’re toxic for dogs.”
Bamboo
”Whatever you do – don’t plant this in the ground,” advised the expert.
”You’ll have furious neighbours knocking on your door demanding you pull it up within months as it’s so invasive.”
As noted by Veronica, Bamboo is almost impossible to control – so if you do decide to plant it, make sure it’s in containers the roots can’t burst through, before burying the pots.
”There’s still a risk though, so unless you fancy pulling out shoots from the middle of your lawn – avoid.”