[sharky]

Got the broad beans out today and now I'm worrying about them being munched by slugs.

Should I run out and cover them all?

[paintedlady]

won't the slugs just crawl underneath, or through the soil?

[richyrich7]

It'll be too cold for slugs and stuff tonight  but like paintedlady has pointed out they will just go underneath. Pellets or traps etc. is the way to go.

[sharky]

I was thinking of putting half a pop bottle over them, but still they may get under those as slugs live underground I've read. 

So I should not worry about them? Does anyone do anything to protect them or just leave them?

[woodburner]

I have toads    both at home and at the lottie   

[dougsta]

It's going to be warmer next week - I'm going to apply my nematodes. Have you though of using them to keep the slugs at bay?

[richyrich7]

It's going to be warmer next week - I'm going to apply my nematodes. Have you though of using them to keep the slugs at bay?

Check the soil temps ok for them not air temp big difference this time of year 

[MoreWhisky]

Slugs 'sigh' as a new allotmenter im finding evey day there is something else to worry about 

[celjaci]

Never had slugs bother Broad Beans although maybe just means they have plenty else to munch

[dougsta]

It's going to be warmer next week - I'm going to apply my nematodes. Have you though of using them to keep the slugs at bay?

Check the soil temps ok for them not air temp big difference this time of year 

Good call - thanks. It says soil temp >5C on the packet. I don't have a thermometer but it was well above that today - just wonder what it will go down to overnight.

That cold snap they predicted did not materialise last night here in S. Oxfordshire either. Let's hope it's warming up a bit.
----

On the other hand.....
http://news.bbc.co.uk/weather/forecast/2818

[digalotty]

netting to keep pidgeons off and pellets for the slugs is my bet

[richyrich7]

try metcheck.com and click on the hobbies link then the gardening one and it gives you an idea of soil temp in your area.

[dougsta]

try metcheck.com and click on the hobbies link then the gardening one and it gives you an idea of soil temp in your area.

Another top tip - thanks

[sunshineband]

netting to keep pidgeons off and pellets for the slugs is my bet

Agree with the netting (cheap at B&Q right now) but we use beer taps for slugs not pellets to save the hedgehogs, toads etc

[richyrich7]

netting is a must but you need to keep it a few inches away from the plants esp things like brassicas else the CW butterflies just land on the net and lay eggs through it  or use very fine netting like scaffold net.