April is peak slug and snail season – here's how to protect your plants before it's too late with these simple expert tips
A few timely steps now can save your plants from serious damage later....
We don't mean to add yet another thing to your to-do list, but it’s time to protect your plants from slugs and snails in April. Unless, of course, you fancy the look of chomped-up leaves and foliage come summer.
Yes, April is when shoots appear, seedlings are planted out, and borders begin to fill with fresh, tender growth. All of that combined with springtime showers, though? Well, it creates the perfect environment for slugs and snails to feed and multiply – often before plants they love have had a chance to properly establish.
Article continues belowHow to protect your plants from slugs and snails in April
Young shoots, leafy vegetables and newly planted ornamentals are particularly vulnerable at this time of year, which is why it's so important you take care to protect your plants from slugs and snails in April.
'April is when slugs and snails become more active, as warmer temperatures and spring rain create perfect feeding conditions,' says Morris Hankinson, director of Hopes Grove Nurseries.
Morris Hankinson is the founder and managing director of Hopes Grove Nurseries Ltd, the UK’s only specialist grower-retailer of hedging plants. He established the thriving business in 1992, shortly after graduating with a Commercial Horticulture Degree from Writtle College, Essex.
Tessa Cobley, plant pest expert and owner of Ladybird Plantcare, agrees. 'Slugs are simple creatures – give them moisture, shelter and something tasty to eat, and they’ll happily move in. And if you’ve recently planted out tender plants and the weather has been wet, you’ve essentially rolled out the red carpet for them.'
Thankfully, there are plenty of things you can do to stop these critters in their tracks. Let's dive on in, shall we?
1. Try beneficial nematodes
According to Tessa, the best way to protect your plants from slugs and snails in April is to use beneficial nematodes (you can pick up NemaKnights biological nematodes for £26.99 on Amazon).
'These are naturally occurring microscopic worms that live in the soil and act as a form of biological pest control, and, when applied to the garden, they actively seek out young slugs in the soil and release a natural bacterium that stops them feeding,' she explains.
'The clever part is that they’re extremely specific – they only target the pest they’re designed for and won’t harm birds, pets, hedgehogs or other garden wildlife.'
Tessa adds that nematodes are very easy to apply. 'Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them, then mix the powder with water according to the instructions, and apply the solution to your garden using a watering can – just like watering your plants.'
2. Try copper tape and slug rings
Some traditional garden tricks can help protect your plants from slugs and snails in April, but they’re not always a complete solution.
'Copper tape (this copper slug tape is my humane recommendation, £5.89 at Amazon) or slug rings (like these copper rings mixed pack, £28.99 from Amazon) can work well for protecting individual pots and containers, as slugs tend to avoid crossing the copper barrier. They’re especially useful for patio planters or prized plants you want to shield,' says Tessa.
Shop slug and snail defence essentials
3. Avoid beer traps
According to Tessa, it's best to avoid beer traps if you want to protect your plants from slugs and snails in April.
'Beer traps are another commonly suggested remedy, but they can sometimes attract even more slugs into the area,' she says.
She adds: 'If slug numbers are already high, it’s usually better to tackle the population in the soil first using biological methods like nematodes and then use barriers as an extra line of defence for vulnerable plants.'
FAQs
How do I stop slugs and snails from eating my plants?
If you want to stop slugs and snails from eating your plants, it's a good idea to take action in April.
'This is the time to set up barriers, encourage natural predators and use wildlife-friendly controls to prevent your plants from being munched,' says Morris Hankinson of Hopes Grove Nurseries.
'Doing this in April will give your plants a strong start to the growing season before slugs and snails peak later in the season.'
What plants attract slugs?
If a plant has soft, juicy leaves, chances are a slug will be interested. Tessa Cobley, plant pest expert and owner of Ladybird Plantcare, says 'young plants, seedlings and leafy greens are especially tempting because they’re easy to chew and packed with moisture'.
'Garden favourites like hostas and lettuce are classic slug targets, but they’re far from the only ones. Plants with tender new growth or fleshy leaves are most at risk,' she adds, noting that some of the biggest slug magnets include:
Ornamental plants: Marigolds (Tagetes), zinnias, petunias, sweet peas, primroses, hollyhocks and asters.
Vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, cabbage, peas, beans, cucumbers and newly planted seedlings.
Other favourites: Strawberries, basil and the young shoots of many perennial plants.
'That said, slugs aren’t particularly picky when they’re hungry, so if numbers are high, they’ll happily sample a wide range of plants around the garden,' Tessa finishes.
Look, we get it; it’s easy to wait until you spot the damage, but by then, slugs are already one step ahead. Taking action in April, while conditions are just starting to favour them, puts you back in control and helps protect your plants when they’re at their most vulnerable. Or you could start growing some of these plants they hate and that actually repel them, to add another layer of protection.
Time to get to work, we say...
