One plant can help repel slugs (Image: Getty)
Gardeners are being urged to grow a simple plant that slugs reportedly hate as spring brings a fresh wave of pests into gardens across the United Kingdom. With flower beds, vegetable patches and allotments coming back to life in warmer weather, experts say slugs are also becoming more active. The pests are notorious for damaging plants by chewing through leaves, stems and young shoots, often destroying seedlings overnight.
However, gardening specialists say there is a natural way to discourage them without using chemical pellets – planting garlic. According to experts at Gardenia, the strong scent released by garlic can act as a deterrent to slugs, helping protect nearby plants from being eaten.
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Slugs can’t stand the smell of garlic (Image: Getty)
A spokesperson for Gardenia warned that slugs can quickly cause widespread damage if left unchecked. “Slugs can cause significant damage to crops, plants and gardens,” the spokesperson said, adding that the pests are a common problem for both home gardeners and farmers during the growing season.
“They feed on a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and foliage, and they can quickly defoliate a plant or devour entire seedlings.”
Slugs aren’t just unsightly – they’re destructive. They chew through leaves, stems, and even fruits, making many crops unmarketable and reducing yields. They’re especially dangerous in greenhouses, where the damp, sheltered conditions offer an ideal breeding ground.
Fortunately, there’s an easy and natural way to fight back – by planting alliums.
“Alliums, such as garlic, onions, and chives, are excellent for companion planting,” Gardenia explained.
They help deter slugs because they can’t stand the smell. It acts like a natural repellent.
The strong aroma of these plants is said to overwhelm the slugs’ sensory receptors, discouraging them from entering the area altogether.
Companion planting with alliums not only helps keep slugs at bay but also offers a host of other benefits, including improving soil health and enhancing the flavour of neighbouring vegetables.
Garlic and chives are especially popular choices for home gardeners because they’re easy to grow and can thrive in pots or beds. They also double up as useful herbs in the kitchen, making them a practical, multipurpose addition to any garden.
Gardeners hoping to slug-proof their gardens this season are advised to plant a border of alliums around vulnerable vegetables and flowers or intersperse them throughout their beds.
Along with other organic slug-deterring strategies – such as crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or copper tape, the use of alliums could make a significant difference.
As slugs begin their nocturnal feast during damp evenings, it pays to be prepared. And with a bit of clever planting, gardeners can stay one step ahead, all without using a drop of pesticide.
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