slugs & snails

[zita-green]

I've heard that coffee grounds deter these pests. I am so tired of having my hostas & delphiniums eaten as soon as their tips show above the soil. Do coffee grounds work?

[carlton23]

Yes

[boxtops]

We don't drink coffee, so I resort to good old slug pellets or picking them off by hand. I have found that having some bergenia plants helps, they congregate there so I can find them more easily. I have tried everything, copper strips, eggshells, but still they come.

[carlton23]

boxtops, go to a coffee shop and ask them for their coffee grains and give them a try, only, tell them what you want them for or they`ll think you want a cheap cup of coffee.lol

[rowanwitch]

Thanks for the tip carlton I am going to try it Cafe nero here I come, have been using sharp grit but it upsets the soil structure unless I use a membrane underneath. Might be a problem with the ph balance though Might need to be selective what plants I use it round will do a few tests and report back if I see any probs.

[zita-green]

Many thanks to all. We don't drink coffee, either so will try a coffee shop.

[EllyD]

I get my coffee grounds from Sainbury`s coffee shop!

[woozer]

Try boiling up a bulb of garlic in about a litre of water then simmer for about an hour - leave to cool then dilute a tablesoon of the garlic water into a litre or so of ordinary water and spray the plants you wan to protect. Reapply evryso often and after rain. The smell dters slugs etc and after a cople of hours you wont be able to smell it on the plant. Also helps to keep plants in pots away from anything overhaning them so the little blighters do not drop in from above . The mixture keeps well in an old squash bottle and I use it on my allotment with great success.

[woozer]

oops sorry for weird spelling in previous post - key board sticking again !

[sandyRoe]

I go out at night with a torch, pick them up, and toss them into my neighbours garden.