Here are 5 natural and awesome tips to keep slugs away from your garden

In this world where respect for the environment and the preservation of our health are increasingly important, natural solutions to protect our gardens from pests have become essential.

Among these pests, slugs top the list, as they can cause considerable damage to the young shoots and leaves of our plantations.

Discover 5 natural and effective anti-slug tricks to protect your garden without resorting to chemicals.

1. Create natural barriers around your plantations

Natural barriers  are a simple and ecological solution to protect your garden from slugs.

READ: Discover 3 effective tips to protect your precious flower bulbs from rodents

In fact, these gastropods have very sensitive skin that reacts to contact with certain substances or materials.

By surrounding your plantations with these materials, you will create an impassable area for slugs.

Here are some examples of effective natural barriers:

• Wood ash   : rich in potash, it is an excellent slug repellent. In addition, it provides beneficial nutrients for your plants. Be sure to renew the layer of ash after each rain.
• Eggshells: their  rough and sharp texture  prevents slugs from passing through. Shred them into large pieces and place them around your plantings.
• Wood chips   : Their uneven surface makes it difficult for slugs to move. They also help enrich the soil as they decompose.

2. Use beer traps to attract and drown slugs

Slugs are attracted to the  smell of beer  .

Then you can use this trick to catch them. To create a beer trap, all you need to do is:

1. Dig a hole about 10cm deep and wide in the ground near your plants.
2. Place a container (can or glass type) in the hole, so that the edge of the container protrudes slightly from the ground.
3. Pour the beer into the container, up to about 2 cm from the edge.

The   slugs   will be attracted to the smell and fall into the trap, where they will drown. Remember to regularly check the beer level and remove any trapped slugs.

However, this method is mixed, but we had to introduce it!

3. Introduce natural slug predators to your garden

Nature is well made and each species has its predators.

To fight against slugs, you can introduce animals into your garden that feed on these gastropods.

Some of the   natural predators   of slugs include:

• Hedgehogs   : these small mammals are true allies for your garden. In addition to feeding on slugs, they also consume other pests, such as snails and insects. To attract hedgehogs, install hedgehog shelters in your garden and make water available for them.
• Birds   : Some bird species, such as blackbirds and thrushes, readily feed on slugs. To attract them, you can install nest boxes, feeders and water points in your garden.
• Ground beetles   – These insects also like slugs and snails. You can attract them by creating insect shelters or leaving areas of dense vegetation in your garden.

4. Grow repellent plants to keep slugs away

Some plants have the peculiarity of repelling slugs and other undesirables thanks to their olfactory properties.

By growing them in your garden, you will create an environment less conducive to the establishment of slugs. Among the   repellent plants  , we can mention in particular:

• Fuchsia   : This ornamental plant gives off an unpleasant odor for slugs.
• Mint   : Its powerful aroma is an excellent slug repellent.
• Tansy   – This perennial plant is known to repel slugs and snails, thanks to its insecticidal properties.

By planting these species around your crops, you will benefit from natural and aesthetic protection against slugs.

5. Adopt ecological management of your garden

Finally, to effectively fight slugs, it is essential to adopt   ecological management   of your garden.

This implies in particular:

• Respect for biodiversity: by encouraging the presence of a wide variety of plant and animal species, you will improve the balance of your garden and limit the proliferation of slugs.
• Crop rotation: by periodically changing the location of your crops, you will limit the proliferation of slugs and other pests, because you will break their reproduction cycle.
• Mulching: by covering the soil of your plantations with a layer of organic matter (straw, grass clippings, dead leaves, etc.), you will promote the life of the soil and the decomposition of organic matter, which will have the effect of limiting the presence of slugs.

By adopting these different natural and effective tips, you will protect your garden from slugs while respecting the environment and your health.

Remember that the success of these methods also depends on the regularity of their implementation and careful observation of your garden. So, to your hoes and good harvest!