GROW SMART, GROW SAFE

   Slugs and snails

Slugs and snails munch voraciously on tender garden plants. They can leave large, ragged holes in leaves and flowers and mow down entire rows of lettuce sprouts.

You can protect your plants from slug and snail problems without toxic chemicals using the research-based strategies described here. You can also find least-toxic pesticides and learn about the hazards of particular pesticide products using the Grow Smart, Grow Safe search tool.

Prevent problems before they appear

Get rid of hiding places. A garden clean-up will remove most of their shelter.

• Get rid of boards or pots the slugs might be hiding under.
• Remove weeds after you pull them.
• Keep paths clear of overgrown plants.

Choose plants slugs and snails don’t like. Which plants are nibbled on? Try growing something else.

• Slugs are fond of dahlias but not geraniums.
• Most ornamental grasses and woody plants are not affected by slugs and snails.
• Talk to experts at your local nursery for ideas.

Use barriers and least-toxic baits. Copper barriers and iron phosphate baits can keep slugs and snails at bay.

• Install copper screens or flashing around planting beds.
• Wrap copper foil around planting boxes or trunks.
• The next best thing is least-toxic bait (iron phosphate) used around seedlings when they are young and vulnerable. Once seedlings mature, they can withstand a little nibbling.