Slugs and snails can be a nuisance in the garden, but there is a simple way to get rid of them for good – and it doesn’t involve using harmful chemicals
Slugs ‘can’t stomach’ this one plant(Image: Getty)
Slugs and snails become increasingly common during autumn months as they thrive in wet conditions and amongst plentiful fallen leaves, yet there’s a simple way to get rid of them for good.
Experts suggest watching for warning signs and inspecting under plant pots and rotting foliage during this time, as these creatures use dark, damp spots for refuge.
While chemical pellets are one of the most popular methods for dealing with slugs, it’s strongly recommended against using them as they’re dangerous to pets and wildlife that naturally control slug numbers, including birds and hedgehogs.
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Euphorbias possess a bitter taste which slugs and snails simply can’t stomach(Image: Getty)
Instead, gardening specialist Colin Campbell-Preston of Capital Gardens suggests using plants to deter slugs and snails, and there’s one specific plant that they “can’t stomach”.
He said: “Slugs and snails may seem like greedy little leaf-chompers, chewing up all in their path, but there are certain plants they’ll turn their noses up at.”
The specialist highlighted that these are particularly thick-leafed plants, which are difficult for them to munch through, and are very aromatic garden additions. Colin advises gardeners to plant Euphorbia, also called spurges, as “slugs and snails absolutely hate them”.
Explaining why, the gardener said: “The milky sap of euphorbias possesses a bitter taste which slugs and snails simply can’t stomach.” These plants are not to the taste of slugs and snails, who prefer sweeter treats and younger plants. Euphorbias, a robust family of plants, truly shine when temperatures drop and less resilient plants perish or go dormant.
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Their flowers are easily recognisable cup-shaped bracts with a somewhat unusual appearance, reports the Express. Even as other plants wilt, euphorbias remain upright, casting dark green hues over your winter garden, all while keeping slugs and snails at bay. Colin advised: “Plant these, and your garden will be left in peace.”
Another plant that will “quickly turn the stomachs of slugs and snails” is the geranium, known for its hairy stems and leaves. The textured surface of geraniums makes them “incredibly uncomfortable for slugs” to traverse and nibble on.
With over 300 species, it’s a breeze to find the right geraniums to enhance your back garden. Not only are geraniums extremely hardy, but they also make excellent ground-covering plants, helping to suppress another common garden nuisance – weeds.
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