Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => General Gardening => Topic started by: hubballi on June 17, 2013, 00:33

Title: Interesting test with garlic spray for slug snail repellent
Post by: hubballi on June 17, 2013, 00:33

I clocked a guy who grew nothing but hostas on gardeners world a few years ago who said he kept the plants 100% slug free by spraying the upcoming shoots with garlic cloves boiled in water. Well, I can say it works 100% for sure. But until a couple of days ago it hasn't been touched since sprayed at the begining of spring. What I find interesting is about this time every year since I started the spraying the slugs and snail suddenly start feasting on the leaves. I gave a fresh spray yesterday but it clearly has had no effect.

Any theories why this only works for so long ?

Title: Re: Interesting test with garlic spray for slug snail repellent
Post by: fatcat1955 on June 17, 2013, 06:17

The rain washes the garlic spray off, it is not absorbed by the leave's.

Title: Re: Interesting test with garlic spray for slug snail repellent
Post by: Wild Willow on June 17, 2013, 07:05

I've put crushed eggshells around my "delicate" plants...I'm hoping that works.  I've never tried garlic spray before; I've heard garlic is good around carrots to confuse carrot fly though.

Title: Re: Interesting test with garlic spray for slug snail repellent
Post by: hubballi on June 17, 2013, 09:17

It can't be washed away because I sprayed them months ago and it has rained lots since then. Unless it's a few rains that have worn the garlic down but how do you explain a fresh garlic spray not working ?

Title: Re: Interesting test with garlic spray for slug snail repellent
Post by: mumofstig on June 17, 2013, 09:17

Perhaps they simply get used to the taste or smell - if they can smell?

The same as we get used to garlic on peoples breath if we go to live in somewhere like Spain  ;)