Despite our best efforts, our gardens sometimes don’t appear as vibrant as we’d like due to various factors such as weather conditions and pets.
Another common nuisance for our plants are troublesome slugs. However, if you’re struggling with these critters, a gardening expert has shared a straightforward solution. Ish, known on TikTok as gardening.with.ish, is renowned for his helpful tips, and his latest one is rather ingenious.
In his video, he explains that slugs thrive in damp conditions, making them more prevalent during the winter months. While this may be beneficial for the slugs, it often leaves our plants worse off.
He combats these pests by creating “slug traps”, which are incredibly easy to make. Ish begins by filling a bowl with water, ensuring it’s deep enough to prevent the slugs from escaping.
Next, he adds a small amount of fast-action dry yeast to the bowl, which can typically be purchased in sachets for approximately £1.50. He stirs this into the water because slugs are drawn to it.
Additionally, he includes a teaspoon of sugar to provide nourishment for the yeast, encouraging it to froth and enhance the flavour that slugs “absolutely love”.
Ish said: “Slugs will go in but, the chances are, they will not come out at all. When you’ve made your mix, pop this next to a plant that’s used to getting the most slug damage because they’ll be more interested in this than they will your plant.”
The expert explained the method is “simple” and takes little effort to execute. Not to mention, people seemed to think it was a great tip to try, as they raved about it in the comments.
An intrigued reader said: “We need an update video. I’m invested.” Another stated: “They are eating my dahlia’s right now.”
Furthermore, another individual appreciated the advice, saying: “Great tip Ish! I hate wasting good beer on slugs.”
More ways to banish slugs from garden
- Barriers – create physical barriers to deter slugs, including eggshells or gravel. Spreading these onto the ground creates a rough texture that’s uncomfortable for the pests to cross.
- Natural predators – encourage or introduce natural predators that feed on slugs. These include birds, which you can draw with feeders and nesting boxes, or frogs and beetles.
- Use natural repellent substances – including coffee grounds spread nearby, as well as garlic or vinegar spray to keep slugs at bay.
- Grow slug-repellent plants – these include pungent lavender, rosemary, and sage, which can help deter slugs due to their strong scents.
