[Kristen]

We didn't suffer form slugs last year, which was wet of course.  Could that be because the chickens patrol round the outside of the veg patch (which has chicken wire fence surround, so the chickens (and rabbits) are excluded)

Or should I be buying some slug pellets for this year to "be ready"?

Heavy clay soil, no reasons I can think of that the beds would be unattractive to slugs.

[Trebor]

I had a problem with slugs – then I tried grapefruit and two house bricks. 36 slugs from one grapefruit – it is more time consuming, but works for me. Beer traps are also good, but I prefer to keep the beer. 

[Paul Plots]

If you are a real dedicated anti-slug gardener this works as an organic slug deterrent:

Wait until it is dark and cool and damp....
Put on a coat and waterproof shoes....
Take a torch and a garden fork or sharp dutch-hoe...

Wander up and down looking for the bu**ers...
When you find one simply bring the fork spikes down on them....

A Dutch hoe is better as you stand more chance of a strike in one and the flat blade is great for hurling them out of harms way where they won't be trod on and stick to your shoes the day after!!

This works well all around our lawn if you keep it up for several nights in a row.... adding a bit of stale white bread to the grass for a few nights before hand fools them into a sense of security.... then.......

And.... yes, the neighbours so think I am mad already so why worry?

[sunshineband]

If you are a real dedicated anti-slug gardener this works as an organic slug deterrent:

Wait until it is dark and cool and damp....
Put on a coat and waterproof shoes....
Take a torch and a garden fork or sharp dutch-hoe...

Wander up and down looking for the bu**ers...
When you find one simply bring the fork spikes down on them....

A Dutch hoe is better as you stand more chance of a strike in one and the flat blade is great for hurling them out of harms way where they won't be trod on and stick to your shoes the day after!!

This works well all around our lawn if you keep it up for several nights in a row.... adding a bit of stale white bread to the grass for a few nights before hand fools them into a sense of security.... then.......

And.... yes, the neighbours so think I am mad already so why worry?

As many of you know, I wholeheartedly subscribe to this form of slug control ... it brightens up a dull evening 

[Iain@JBA]

Try nemaslug for £8.95 on google shopping. It will kill the slugs you can and can't see for 6 weeks.

[jmlearoyd]

I've had some success with coffee grounds from Starbucks, although my mother is convinced it attracts cats!

[Paul Plots]

And I stll think a rechargeable torch and a dutch hoe are cheaper and more final! 

[sunshineband]

And I stll think a rechargeable torch and a dutch hoe are cheaper and more final! 

You are so right!!! 

[Yorkie]

I think you're right too, but my local allotment PCSO's wouldn't be too pleased to have to investigate a torch on the lotty plots in the dark  - I may get on well with them but that's taking it a bit far  

[Paul Plots]

I wonder if it would work with ultra-violet light during daylinght?? 

[mumofstig]

During the day.....You'll just have to lay some black plastic down and lull them into a false sense of security, then suddenly pull it back and leap apon them while thy're all unsuspecting.
That'll show em who's boss

[sunshineband]

I think you're right too, but my local allotment PCSO's wouldn't be too pleased to have to investigate a torch on the lotty plots in the dark  - I may get on well with them but that's taking it a bit far  

My neighbours around here just think that I have some odd habits (no answer there  thank you) but I take your point Yorkie ... it could be a bit awkward to explain away tothe local constabulary .. Well you see Hofficer, it was like this ....... 

[Paul Plots]

During the day.....You'll just have to lay some black plastic down and lull them into a false sense of security, then suddenly pull it back and leap apon them while thy're all unsuspecting.
That'll show em who's boss

Now that sounds like something I would want to work at perfecting.... 

Lay black-plastic on the ground and w a i t..... I could read a book, listen to the radio, snooze and w a i t.... It could take a couple of hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon at least!! 

"Sorry dear. I can't help as I must trap the slugs on the plot.... See you later." 

[peapod]

I think you're right too, but my local allotment PCSO's wouldn't be too pleased to have to investigate a torch on the lotty plots in the dark  - I may get on well with them but that's taking it a bit far  

and im two miles away from my plot..OH wouldnt take it kindly at me wandering up to the plot at stupid o'clock (and I wouldnt either!)

[sunshineband]

During the day.....You'll just have to lay some black plastic down and lull them into a false sense of security, then suddenly pull it back and leap apon them while thy're all unsuspecting.
That'll show em who's boss

Now that sounds like something I would want to work at perfecting.... 

Lay black-plastic on the ground and w a i t..... I could read a book, listen to the radio, snooze and w a i t.... It could take a couple of hours on a sunny Sunday afternoon at least!! 

"Sorry dear. I can't help as I must trap the slugs on the plot.... See you later." 

A brilliant idea IMHO -- l could go for that