Garden Defense Hack: An Effective Strategy to Deter Slugs, Recommended by British Hosta Experts
In the battle against garden pests, an unexpected ally has emerged: garlic water. This organic solution, primarily effective due to the presence of allicin, a natural compound found in garlic, has been proven to repel and even kill slugs and snails [1].
To harness the power of garlic water, the method of preparation is crucial. Allicin, being sensitive to heat, degrades above 80°C, making cold water extraction a better choice for preserving its potency [1][3]. Here's a simple recipe for creating your own garlic water slug repellent:
1. Gather two whole bulbs (or heads) of fresh garlic. 2. Crush or finely chop the garlic cloves to release allicin. 3. Soak or steep the crushed garlic in about 2 liters (half a gallon) of cold water for at least 24 hours to extract the allicin without damaging it with heat [1][3]. 4. Strain the liquid to remove solids before use.
Once prepared, the garlic water can be diluted and used to protect your plants. Dilute around 1 fluid ounce (30 ml) of the garlic water in 1 gallon (5 liters) of water for spraying or watering plants [3]. Regular application, especially during cool and wet weather when slug activity increases [3], is key to maintaining its effectiveness.
To apply, spray or water vulnerable plants once a week, focusing on areas where slugs are likely to attack. For wider area coverage, dilute the garlic water further in a watering can before application [1][2]. Combining garlic water with other natural controls like copper tape or diatomaceous earth can further improve control results [1].
It's important to note that while garlic water is a safe, non-toxic, and organic way to deter slugs, it does not kill them. Instead, it repels them by releasing allicin, a compound that irritates their mucous membranes. For those seeking a more lethal solution, garlic water is not the answer.
Amy Grant, a professional chef and caterer with 30 years of gardening experience and 15 years of writing experience, shares this recipe. She emphasises the importance of regular application, especially during wet and cooler weather, to ensure the continued health of your plants.
For those interested, the garlic water can be stored in airtight containers such as mason jars or Vosarea liquid storage containers, available on Amazon. The recipe can be adjusted to desired potency, making it a versatile solution for any garden.
In addition to garlic water, other organic slug deterrents include hand-picking slugs, beer traps, iron phosphate slug pellets, salt, crushed egg shells, and diatomaceous earth. For those seeking a more specialised solution, Sienna Hosta, a specialist hosta grower based in Surrey, South East England, offers a range of products to protect your hostas, including those supplied to His Majesty's gardens at Highgrove.
In conclusion, garlic water is an inexpensive and natural way to repel slugs, providing a better chance for your favourite plants to thrive. By following these simple steps, you can create your own effective organic pesticide, allowing for coexistence with slugs in the garden without sacrificing plants.
[1] Source: The Spruce [2] Source: The Guardian [3] Source: The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control
*This article was written by Amy Grant, a professional chef and caterer with 30 years of gardening experience and 15 years of writing experience. Amy Draiss is the Digital Community Manager.*
*This article features products available from third-party vendors on the Shop platform.*
- By following Amy Grant's recipe for garlic water, you can create an effective home-and-garden solution to repel slugs and protect your plants, especially during cool and wet weather.
- Incorporating gardening techniques like using garlic water, along with other organic controls such as copper tape and diatomaceous earth, can help maintain a lifestyle that promotes a thriving home-and-garden ecosystem.
