Slugs and sea shells

[hvrlon]

I heard a recommendation on the radio for using crushed shells rather than egg shells as a barrier against slugs and wondered if anyone had tried this method.

Slugs are decimating young plants at our allotment and in the garden, including the Romanesco artichokes that we've grown from seed, to our dismay. My other half is threatening to abandon the plot if I won't let him use slug pellets! Before I give in and 'go chemical', any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

H

P.S. This is my first post at the Grapevine Forum...

[shirlthegirl43]

Hi and welcome to the vine hvrlon. I have no experience of using crushed shells I am afraid. Have tried many things with limited success so now use the 'hedgehog friendly' slug pellets. That way I get my plants and the birds can still eat the slugs. Good luck with your gardening.

[hvrlon]

Thanks very much and thanks for the welcome! Could you recommend a brand?

H

[shirlthegirl43]

They are Growing Success advanced Slug Killer rainproof pellets. Safe for birds animals and other wildlife (including children). I try not to use chemicals but sometimes you have to resort to heavy measures to ensure you get something to harvest!

[hvrlon]

I'll give these a try - great, thanks!

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine HVRlon. Ditto what Shirlthegirl said. Where there is a serios slug proble I find it the only way.
A while ago another grape posted a pic of a plant in a pot, with the surface covered in sea shells and a great big snail sitting in the middle of it.

[Madasafish]

I use crushed eggshells. They work in dry conditions ... so for all practical purposes they are a waste of time when you have serious problems... We have marshy fields next to our garden - they must host several millions of snails and slugs.

I use slug pellets on marigolds , beans, sprouts, tomatoes and anything slugs and snails like best

[hvrlon]

Thanks, everyone. Our allotment plot is at the edge of the site, so slugs are always going to be around in very large numbers and I feel reassured now about using pellets.

[Flummery]

If you can't get hold of the friendly ones, use the 'ordinary' by balancing a plant pot saucer on a stone so one side is slightly raised. Put them under that, near your plants which are being attacked. The snails go under there and the birds can't get at them. I net the beds then use pellets. Takes a bit of time but I've only got a smallish plot.

[vertangie]

I don't know if this helps but I found the copper strips you can get from chase organics did keep slugs and snails out of my lettuce last year. I put it around a big pot and then planted the lettuce in there. Rocket and little gem, not touched by a single slug.

I've put crushed oyster shell around my veg bed this year and tested it with a snail yesterday. It wouldn't cross it but then there's nothing to tempt it in the bed yet.

We have loads of snails and slugs as it's so wet here and the garden's surrounded by dry stone walls (I think they should be called wet stone walls in cumbria) so I'll report back on the success of the crushed oyster shell when I know if it works or not.

Interestingly the girl at the agricultural shop reckoned the slugs would stick to it because of it's high calcium content not just because it's sharp so all sea shell may not be the same.

HTH

Angie