Alan Titchmarsh shares FOUR flowers set to maintain your backyard slug-free
We have experienced a week of blissful sunshine in the UK, but it sadly hasn’t deterred snugs and snails from making their way into our gardens.
Slugs and snails usually thrive in damp outdoor conditions, often hiding beneath rocks and in areas that are more shaded.
However, beloved gardener Alan Titchmarsh has come to rescue with his best methods to keep your garden slug-free for those who are fed up of the pests ruling the roost.
You may not be as green-fingered as the more seasoned gardener, but there are plants which are guaranteed to slug-proof your back garden in a low-maintenance way.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the four flowers the 74-year-old recommends to keep your space pest-free…
In a recent podcast with Gardener’s World, Alan Titchmarsh (pictured in 2010) revealed the FOUR low-maintenance flowers guaranteed to keep snails and slugs at bay
Slugs and snails usually thrive in damp outdoor however they are continuing to take over UK gardens (stock image)
1. Ferns
The seasoned gardener revealed that ferns were among the most resilient plants guaranteed to deter slugs from your garden (stock image)
In an interview with Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast, Alan shared that ferns were among the most resilient plants in deterring both snails and slugs.
He enthusiastically shared: ‘You think they are boring, aren’t they? Well, they are not and they are brilliant for shady spots.’
Whatever fern you opt to bring into your garden – fern, royal or crested – they can last for several years and are a simple pest-deterrent to look after, according to Alan.
The 74-year-old personally advised gardeners to nab a Dryopteris, also referred to as a Wood Fern, as they thrive in areas that lack moisture.
2. Geraniums
If you are wanted to add a pop of colour to your backyard – whilst also keeping pests out – the gardener recommended Geraniums (stock image)
Others desperate to stop slugs from infesting their garden who also want to add a sprinkle a colour into their garden should nab Geraniums, the TV presenter suggested.
Explaining his reasoning, Alan said they will grow beautifully ‘right the way through summer’ whilst also proving effective in deterring pests.
Although these plants may be flamboyant, similarly to a fern they are very easy to care for and thrive in the sunshine.
Geraniums are a great plant for bringing a touch of sparkle to flowerbeds as well as the borders of your backyard.
3. Alchemilla
Alchemilla, also known as Lady’s Mantle, have broad leaves which spread widely outwards, leaving no room for weeds or pests (stock image)
If you perhaps would like to opt for a bold splash of acid yellow, a few seeds of Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle) may be what your garden needs.
Chatting on the podcast, Alan divulged that daring plant is also effective in keeping slugs at bay.
‘It has these scalloped-edged leaves which hold on to water like quicksilver…which are coated in very fine down…which puts slugs and snails off eating them,’ he said.
But this isn’t the only advantage this perennial flower has, as it can also stop weeds from emerging in your flowerbeds and borders.
The Alchemilla’s broad leaves flower that spread widely outwards leaving no room or light for weeds to encroach according to Richard Jackson Garden.
4. Fuchsias and Penstemons
Fuchsia and Pestemons are also on Alan’s list of slug deterring plants (pictured). The 74-year-old urged fans to opt for plant with fluffy leaves and downy steams
The final plants on the list of slug-deterring shrubs were the bright and colourful Fuchsias and Penstemons, according to the TV presenter.
Both Penstemons and Fuchsias typically grow bigger in size, and can even reach knee height.
Although they are a great Summer plant to keep slugs at bay, they will whither away once the cold weather comes, Alan said.
Sharing his final tip to a slug-free garden, the 74-year-old gardener urged fans to get a plant with downy steams or fluffy leaves as pests will usually steer clear of them.
