Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => General Forum => Topic started by: CRSHEP0 on February 19, 2020, 06:40:18 PM

Title: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: CRSHEP0 on February 19, 2020, 06:40:18 PM

I have a neighbor, who has a neglected yard, and slugs that migrate under, through and around a wooden fence.  I have been using Epsom Salts,(Magnesium Sulfate) as a broadcast of crystals, as a deterrent, and it is working well.  I do not think this kills them, because there are no carcasses to inspect and remove (which I do at night).  It is definitely been a deterrent, as the last two weeks, no more.  I am not recommending this for alpines, as I am not sure what it would do with PH or could counter some of the nitrogen uptake. 

If anyone knows if this could be used on alpines, please let me know.  Thank you.
Cecile 

Title: Re: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: Maggi Young on February 19, 2020, 08:53:24 PM

Epsom Salt can be  used  to remedy  a  magnesium deficiency  in  Rhododendrons  and  other  ericaceae. I believe the  same  goes  for   other  plants  which suffer  from that  problem.
Possible  to have  too much of  a  good thing, of  course  -  too much magnesium can cause deficiencies in the other nutrients in the soil such as calcium and potassium.

Title: Re: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: WSGR on February 20, 2020, 06:52:35 AM

Coffee grounds and a bit of chilli powder might do the trick. If you have a bonfire, scatter the burnt remains will also help. Once I had a huge bonfire and for 2 years, no lugs or snail on that patch.  Mindful of your plants though. Or buy the cheapest beer and pour it in various containers!

Title: Re: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: WSGR on February 20, 2020, 06:55:29 AM

Epsom salt is good for plants and even lawn. You will see better plants and flowers if used appropriately, and stronger plants are less vulnerable.

Title: Re: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: Neil on February 20, 2020, 01:00:41 PM

Coffee grounds are the way to go, also stops cats as they don't like walking on it  But don't use it as a pesticide use it as a mulch. 

Title: Re: Slug control that I use, it is inexpensive and is safe for pets
Post by: Anders on February 20, 2020, 07:48:55 PM

Chili will probably have no effect on slugs. The capsaicin repceptor is found in mammals (=only mammals feel the pain), not found in birds that are actually supposed to eat the chili to disperse the seeds. Tried chili extract on aphids with absolutely no effect. Spreading cucumber slices dipped in nematodes did reduce the slug populations in my garden, especially when combined with scissors to "treat" the survivors.

Anders