If you want to keep your flowers nice and healthy, deterring slugs can be key to this.
With that in mind, there is one neat trick that can help keep slugs away from your garden and its plants.
Experts have revealed that sprinkling coffee grounds in your garden can help.
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Are snails and slugs bad for gardens?
Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, said that snails and slugs can be “one of the most harmful pests” when it comes to garden plants.
He said they typically go unnoticed until the crop is already ruined, with slimy trails next to it.
Chris said: “Instead of grabbing the first slug and snail deterrent from the shop, opt for more natural ways to get rid of these pests without harming the other wildlife and plants in your garden.
“You can find some of the most effective snail deterrents in your kitchen – salt, coffee grounds and eggshells are all great for keeping the slugs at bay.
“Other ways to keep the slimy pests away are to grow strongly scented plants, use the catch and release method, and create a clever trap by pouring beer into a buried container.”
Slugs can be harmful to garden plants (Image: Getty Images)
How people can use coffee grounds in gardens to deter slugs
As Chris explains: “Sprinkling coffee grounds around your plant is an effective way to deter slugs and snails as they don’t like the strong aroma and the texture is also unpleasant for them to crawl over.
“Like eggshells, coffee grounds can also enrich the soil as they decompose.”
He added that strong-scented plants can also help keep slugs away, such as lavender, rosemary, begonias, and sage.
Laura Harnett, founder of plastic-free cleaning brand Seep, concurred, adding: “Coffee grounds do deter slugs due to the smell and their gritty texture.
“They are also an excellent fertiliser for plants so best to keep reapplying to the soil, especially after the rain.”
However, caution has also been urged around this method to keep slugs away.
Garden expert Chris Taylor from Chris Taylor Gardening said: “Coffee grounds can help deter slugs, but they’re not a foolproof fix.
“The caffeine and rough texture can discourage slugs from crossing treated areas, though used grounds are much less effective than fresh ones.
“It’s worth noting that rain quickly washes them away, and too many grounds can make soil overly acidic.
“For best results, gardeners can use a light ring of fresh grounds alongside other natural deterrents like copper tape or diatomaceous earth.”
Natural ways to keep slugs out of gardens
Coffee grounds are not the only natural way to keep slugs out of your garden.
Expert Chris Bonnett shared some other great ways to do this.
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Eggshells
Chris said: “Slugs don’t like to move over sharp edges, so surround your garden beds with crushed eggshells to discourage them. As a bonus, the eggshells will break down and improve the soil.”
Sand
Chris said: “Slugs and snails strongly dislike the feeling of sand sticking to them, so spreading sand around your plants will deter them. Additionally, sand helps the soil retain moisture.”
Salt
Chris said: “Sprinkle salt near entryways to your home to prevent slugs from entering. While salt also deters slugs in the garden, avoid applying it too close to flower beds and plants.”
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Catch and release
Chris said: “To relocate slugs, place a piece of damp wood near areas where they are commonly found.
“Since slugs are drawn to dark, moist environments, they will likely gather underneath it overnight. In the morning, simply collect them and release them far from your home.”
Copper tape
Chris said: “Copper tape acts as an effective barrier to keep slugs and snails away. That’s because when they come into contact with copper, it creates a small, harmless electric charge that repels them.”
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