Maybe in many ways the hot
dry period in summer wasn't the best time to try out a product to control slugs
and snails, however I have been able to draw some tentative conclusions. Bear
in mind that this is a very limited trial and only reflects my experiences.
This year I grew some Bishop's Children dahlias from seed and had planted some in the garden only for them to become mollusc fodder. For this reason I thought the dahlias would make a good test subject and I sprayed some newly planted dahlias with Grazers Slugs and Snail control. This did keep the molluscs at bay for a limited period. (The product needs to be reapplied weekly but I didn't do this for reasons that I will explain later). Although this application didn't prevent all damage it did give the plants a chance to make some growth. The unsprayed plants were eaten before they had a chance to grow!
I also mentioned in a previous post that some of my hostas had been badly damaged by slugs and snails
I cut the damaged leaves from these hostas and sprayed the remaining leaves with the deterrent. Again this gave protection for a while and gave the plants a breathing space in which to make new growth.
The slugs moved back in after a while as again I didn't respray
Then we had some pots of mint that were being badly attacked by slugs and struggling to make any growth at all.
So I sprayed these plants. This was the most effective outcome as the protected plants grew away and the new tougher growth seemed to resist further attack in spite of me not respraying.
So why didn't I follow the manufacturers instructions and spray weekly to maintain some protection. The simple answer is that the spray was running out. It is supplied in a 750ml bottle at just under £7 a bottle and so to use weekly would prove very expensive.
My conclusions based on limited experience is that the product does deter slugs and snails from munching your plants. It won't protect them completely but will very much reduce the damage. At this stage the product would prove too expensive to use extensively in the garden and on a weekly basis as recommended by the manufacturer but it would be useful to protect your more precious plants and also to give young plants a protected start.
The manufacturers tell me that they brought the ready to use spray out quickly this summer, to test the market, after they received such positive trial results. Their intention is to release a concentrated form which will be much cheaper to produce and more cost effective for repeat use, based on the sales so far they will push forward with this product in the autumn.
The manufacturers tell me that they brought the ready to use spray out quickly this summer, to test the market, after they received such positive trial results. Their intention is to release a concentrated form which will be much cheaper to produce and more cost effective for repeat use, based on the sales so far they will push forward with this product in the autumn.
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thanks for sharing Sue
ReplyDeleteHope it was useful., Linda
DeleteI haven't had half as much slug damage to my plants this year as I've had in previous years. I wonder if it would have worked as well last year when the slugs and snails were out in force. I think a concentrated form will be much more cost effective.
ReplyDeleteOur damage tends to be snails, Jo and we have still had lots this year although we think in some areas the frogs help. Something winkles them out of the shells.
DeleteI agree about a concentrated option
As Jo says not much slug damage this year here either although snails seem to have been about in ever increasing numbers. They don't like crossing crumbly dry soil. My main defense this year has been spreading oatmeal around plants. It seems to work, but if it rains more needs spreading.
ReplyDeleteWe did have quite a lot of damage on young dahlias, some of the hostas and the young mint Rooko. Where I have found the culprit it has been a snail. The shells mean they don't retreat as much in dry weather.
DeleteThey are certainly better protected than slugs with no shell. I've had a significant rise in the snail population on my plots over the past 2 years. They have even damaged Rhubarb leaves which most beasties leave alone.
DeleteThis year slug and snail damage has been minimum, despite there being thousands of them, but I think I can thank the frogs.xxxx
ReplyDeleteOur frogs are helping too I think especially in the cold frame as they jump out when we are removing pots and trays and also we have found piles of empty shells.
DeleteSounds promising...especially if the price comes down! Have you ever tried making up a garlic spray Sue? (I've got a recipe somewhere) I can't see how it would prevent a heavy onslaught of slug/snails but I might give it a go next year....
ReplyDeleteI haven't Jill although I have thought of having a go and just not got round to it.
DeleteHmm, interesting. I had a smilar experience with some stuff for (allegedly) repelling foxes. You were advised to re-apply it after rain! The box contained two sachets, each of which was barely enough to cover my small garden (applied in water, with a watering-can). Price? £10. Verdict: not a viable proposition.
ReplyDeleteIf they create the concentrate and it is more economical I would try it on slug sensitive plants and seedlings next year, Mark as it did seem to have an effect.
DeleteLike Mark, I have also used the very expensive product to deter foxes, next morning they were lounging in my garden! And I use a very expensive, but very effective liquid against aphids made of fermented soya and herbs, best stuff I have ever used but cost £6.99 for one treatment that last a month. I wish these products were sold in larger quantities and more concentrated so they could be cheaper. I have had less slugs and snail this summer than I have ever had in the 10 years I have been gardening here in this garden, I think the dry, hot summer must have scared them off. I bet they will be back as soon as the autumn rain starts so it will be great if the product you have used will be available to a lower price. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's like the nematodes, Helene - they are too expensive to use on a large area too. I'll mention in a post if they do create a cheaper product and I find out about it
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