[GD]

Hi all,

I'm puttingin some raised beds and want to lay gravel or slate around them.  What's best to discourage slugs? We have a major slug problem, so anything that can help deter them is going to be very welcome.

Thanks

GD

[JayG]

Given that slugs and snails don't really like crossing dry, rough surfaces I'd guess that coarse gravel might be slightly more effective than crushed slate, but I wouldn't rely on either to make that much difference (once they catch a whiff of lettuce they all become the Terminators of the mollusc world!)

[Trillium]

I was thinking about that choice as well. As Jay says, slugs and snails are very determined when food is available.

I doubt the paths will be effective since slugs will already be hibernating in your garden and can reproduce at a phenomenal rate. Perhaps time to regularly lay out organic slug pellets and do evening pickings.

[grinling]

They would go over slate and astroturf at the house, best bet was going out at night and chop in half. You could try adding beetles to the raised bed as they will eat slugs.