Right now then..

The time has come to plan my war on this years hordes of slugs and snails. I have tried nemaslug with some success but far too expensive to use often I think. Also tried the little blue pellets, not the organic ones I'm afraid, and these do seem to work well, but would like to know if the more expensive ferramol based pellets are just as good or better?

Any other tips greatly appreciated

I don't like using any of the slug pellets as none of them are great with wildlife. I too use nematodes occasionally and wince at the price. I find that the best way of doing things is to encourage the likes of frogs on my site by the use of a wildlife pond, grow most things to a reasonable size at home in modules by which time they're big enough to see the slimy things off a bit and also squash as many as possible whenever I see them. Usually shove a hand fork spoke through them then throw them to next door's chickens.

Our garden has tonnes of slugs & snails, dreading fighting them off my veg myself but we also have a pond with froggies so fingers crossed that helps (only been in the house 4 months).

I've built a raised bed which has stones all around so I'm hoping that will help keep them away.

If anyone tells you crushed eggshells may help, it didn't when I tried that method when the buggers ate my marigolds.

Small cups of beer are supposed to help as they love beer.

Anything is worth a try.

Venture out at night with a head torch , bucket of salty water and something to spear them with ......and the next night, and the next night and so on .........

Suppose I am lucky my rear garden plot is enclosed. The house on one side and fencing on the other three and none of my food plants near the edges. For some years now I have used a scattering of blue pellets to protect the 3 boarders whilst fighting the war on my patch. Last two years have seen quite a drop in the amount of slug/snail siteings and damage.

Colin

At home I chuck snails on the garage roof for the birds .........

corrugated iron on a hot summers day gives the birds a hot cooked treat

and if they hit the roof hard enough they come ready shelled for them