Spring has sprung, and with it comes the promise of new growth, beautiful blossoms, and… snails. Yes, those adorable, slimy little critters are back, and if you’re not careful, they’ll be taking over your garden faster than you can say “escargot.”
I love snails – I genuinely do – and I actually enjoy having them in SMALL quantities in my garden so that my kids can catch and play with them.. but when they get so plentiful that you can’t walk outside without the dreaded crunch of snails underfoot, and walking barefoot in your lawn is impossible due to snail landmines in the grass, the cuteness factor quickly fades. And that’s not even touching on what they do to your garden!
Let me tell you, friend, there’s nothing harmless about a snail infestation. They’ll munch their way through your precious plants faster than you can say “where did all my lettuce go?” And the snails tend to get out of hand here in the PNW, and fast.
So, why should you treat your spring garden for snails early in the season before the snails even show up? Simple. Prevention is key. By tackling the problem early on, you’ll be able to stop the snails in their tracks before they have a chance to wreak havoc on your garden. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your beautiful blooms and delicious veggies without having to share them with those pesky little mollusks.
Now, onto the important stuff. How can you manage and treat for snails in the garden? Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started:
1. Snail Poison Pellets: This is the simplest and most effective method I’ve found. A box of snail poison runs around $5-$10 at most garden supply stores, and you can sprinkle the pellets and run away, leaving the rain and soil to do the dirty work of wholesale snail slaughter. (I’m sorry little guys, I really do like you!!)
2. Handpicking: This might not be the most glamorous method, but it’s definitely effective. Simply go out to your garden in the early morning or late evening when snails are most active, and pick them off your plants by hand. Just be sure to wear gloves and have a bucket of soapy water nearby to dispose of them.
2. Copper Tape: Snails are not big fans of copper, so placing copper tape around the base of your plants can help keep them at bay. Plus, it’s a nice decorative touch to your garden.
3. Beer Traps: This might sound like a party trick, but it’s actually a great way to lure snails away from your plants. Simply bury a container of beer in the soil near your plants, and the snails will be attracted to the smell. They’ll crawl into the container and drown in the beer. Just be sure to empty the container regularly.
4. Natural Predators: Believe it or not, there are actually animals that love to snack on snails. If you’re lucky enough to have a hedgehog, duck, or chicken in your garden, they’ll happily feast on the snails for you.
So, there you have it. Treat your garden for snails early in the season, and you’ll be able to enjoy a beautiful, snail-free oasis all spring.
Thanks for sharing. So sorry you have so many snails around. In my old place we had snails in my garden but got them out. Now, I don’t have to really worry at all about it in my new place.
FASHION TALES
handwritten books were made,
Right here is the perfect website for anybody who wishes to find out about this topic. You know a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally would want toÖHaHa). You certainly put a new spin on a subject that has been written about for decades. Excellent stuff, just excellent!