Slugs are notorious for causing chaos in gardens, particularly as they enjoy feasting on plants.
But there are methods to ensure they don’t target your beautiful blooms. Slugs are among the most exasperating pests a gardener can encounter.
These slippery critters are common in UK gardens due to their preference for damp, mild climates. While some species may be beneficial by feeding on decomposing organic matter like dead leaves, others prefer to feast on the stunning blooms that gardeners work so hard to maintain.
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Fortunately, there are several strategies for keeping these slimy creatures out of your garden if you know what to do. TikTok content creators @bilgemehmet23 frequently share gardening hacks on their channel and recently revealed their proven method for banishing slugs from their garden.
In the video, avid gardener Sam explained that people often ask him how he prevents slugs from causing havoc in his garden. He’s discovered a two-item technique which works wonders.
He demonstrated he cuts the bottom out of a plastic plant pot to allow the roots to access the soil. He then applies petroleum jelly, or Vaseline, along the edge of the plant pot and sprinkles salt all over it.
Sam revealed his secret weapon against slugs, stating he uses “the cheapest salt you can get around the edges”. His wife, Billie, chimed in: “This actually works, guys. If we don’t put it on there, by the morning, we’ve got a slug problem again. They just don’t go near it.”
In the video, Sam is seen burying the pot with the edges exposed to keep the slugs at bay. “So this will protect my plant, and I’ll be able to water it individually as well,” he added. “People laugh at me, but really, I’ve had a slug problem before so I just thought, let’s just try it. And it’s worked for us.”
Dr Gordon Port, a senior lecturer at Newcastle University, explained to BBC Science Focus the salt kills the slugs because it “essentially draws the water out of their skin an osmosis effect and they die within minutes of dehydration”.
However, it’s crucial to note that salt can harm plants and disrupt soil balance, so it shouldn’t be directly spread in the soil.
Table salt is readily available at your local supermarket, or if you prefer online shopping, Amazon is currently offering a 750g pack of Saxa Table Salt for just £1.70.
Alternatively, you could add Vaseline to your weekly shop, or purchase a 250g tub of Nuage Everyday Essential Petroleum Jelly for £3.45 on Amazon.
This means it won’t cost you more than £5.15, and should last you a considerable amount of time.
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