Deirdre O Meara 
Gardening expert Tom Cole has shared three simple ways to banish slugs from your garden this summer. Slugs can be a nuisance for gardeners as they often ruin plants by munching on them, leaving holes in the leaves, stems, and flowers. Cole, who is the head of horticulture and landscaping at Capel Manor College, recommends using copper rings, beer traps, and creating barriers around vulnerable plants using grit or sharp sand.
The first step in banishing slugs is to remove any dead leaves around the plants as these provide a “haven” for slugs. Copper rings can be found in most garden centres and are the first way to deter slugs. Place the copper rings around the pots and containers to create a barrier that gives slugs a “non-lethal shock if they try to crawl over it,” Cole explains. Copper contains ions that emit an electrical charge, which slugs can’t tolerate. If copper rings are not available, beer traps can be used. Simply dig a hole near the plants you want to protect and put an old jam jar filled with beer inside it. Slugs are attracted to the scent and will crawl in overnight and drown. Be sure to replace the beer regularly for maximum effect.
The final way to banish slugs is by creating barriers around vulnerable plants. Grit or sharp sand can be used as both are too sharp for slugs to crawl over. Turning the soil regularly is also recommended to ensure it stays dry as slugs love moist surfaces. By following these simple steps, gardeners can enjoy a slug-free garden this summer.
Slugs are not just a nuisance for gardeners but can also cause damage to crops, and their presence can attract other pests such as snails and slugs. Therefore, it is essential to take measures to control their population. These simple methods recommended by Cole can be easily implemented and are effective in keeping slugs at bay.
In addition to these methods, there are other ways to control slugs in the garden. Chemical pesticides can be used, but they are harmful to the environment and should be used sparingly. Another option is to introduce natural predators such as hedgehogs, birds, and frogs, which feed on slugs. However, this method may not be practical for all gardeners.
It is important to note that slugs play a vital role in the ecosystem as they help to break down organic matter and recycle nutrients. Therefore, it is essential to control their population without completely eradicating them from the garden. By using these simple methods, gardeners can strike a balance between controlling slugs and maintaining a healthy ecosystem in their garden.
In conclusion, slugs can be a nuisance for gardeners, but there are simple ways to banish them from the garden. By following the advice of gardening expert Tom Cole, gardeners can use copper rings, beer traps, and barriers made of grit or sharp sand to keep slugs at bay. It is important to control their population without completely eradicating them from the garden to maintain a healthy ecosystem.
