Re: Slugs and snails

Lately on a couple of garden lists  'hackles have risen' over a number of
issues so it was nice to hear of an old gardener's favourite that affects us
all regardless of race and location.  I'm talking of course of slugs and
snails.  One of the great benefits of such lists and the rapid
communications they encourage is hearing the many and varied ways different
people tackle the same problems which you yourself suffer.  So here is my
contribution.  You may not agree with it, you may not even believe it!  Some
may try it and find it works for them too.  But we have shared it with you
and isn't that what's important?

Poisons do work and here in the UK they are a turquoise pellet.  Are they
the same where you are?  Many gardeners are in the habit of laying them down
too thickly and often too late so the beds take on a turquoise colour when
the poor shoots have already been eaten.

Perhaps as is so often the case with pests and diseases, an attack on a
combination of fronts provides the best solution.  In my own case I have
enjoyed the creation of a shallow pond (18"/450mm deep) with sloping sides
as a frog and toad sanctuary.  Following the introduction of four adults and
a bucket of spawn we have noticed a steady increase in froggies (32 after
five years).  The decline in the unwanted slimies only became noticeable in
the third summer after their introduction.  The resulting 'taddies' have
encouraged a number of 'beneficial predators' which now ensure we are not
over run by the cure!

In early March we follow up our froggy attack with a direct assault with
secateurs!  We pick a unusually 'warm' morning or evening after a heavy
downpour (which has encouraged the slimies to surface) to attack every bed.
Stems and branches are swept aside to reveal the slimies which are then
dissected on the spot for bird food.  Three such attacks in early March will
last for the whole summer!  Which we think is well worth the trade.
Although the frogs have been seen to do some 'belt tightening' soon after.
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