SPRING SAVER
My 21p trick keeps slugs out of your garden and you can pick it up at Tesco and Asda
Plus we also reveal seven other ways you can naturally keep the pests off your plants
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Green-fingered Brits will be pleased to know there is a simple trick that will keep slugs from eating your plants - and it only costs 21p.
A garden expert has revealed how one shopping basket item could be your summer garden saviour.
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With the warmer weather on the way, many people will be starting to think about sprucing up their outdoor space.
Whether this means buying some new garden furniture or investing in a new BBQ, the summer garden makeovers have begun.
Spring flowers and shrubs have also started to bloom, and it would be nice to keep them looking pretty throughout the summer.
However, the warm damp climate of spring creates a perfect environment for slugs, which can pose a threat to your vulnerable plants.
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One way to be sure of getting rid of slugs is by using slug pellets, but they can not only be expensive, but they contain a lot of chemicals.
A homemade garlic spray can be an effective deterrent to slugs
Daniel Scholfield, The Expert Gate Company
You can pick up slug pellets in most DIY stores and supermarkets, we spotted some in Tesco for £5 for 685g of pellets.
But there is a much cheaper solution that you can also pick up in your local supermarket, it's all-natural, and it costs just 21p.
Daniel Scholfield of The Expert Gate Company said: "A homemade garlic spray can be an effective deterrent to slugs - rather than a pesticide that can kill them - but only if it's used regularly."
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Here is how to make the garlic spray that could help keep slugs away and your plants in top shape over the summer.
How to make a homemade garlic spray
According to gardening expert Daniel Scholfield for the best chance of deterring slugs from your garden you will need to reapply after heavy rain or every few days for best results.
You will need:
- A whole head or so of garlic
- Around one cup of water
How to make the mixture:
- Peel the garlic cloves and place them in a food blender with the water and blend until chopped.
- Strain the mixture to remove the solids and then dilute with more water (a ratio of 1 part garlic mixture to 4 parts water will do).
- Fill a spray bottle with the diluted solution and spray directly on the area around your plants, focusing on areas where you see slug activity most.
After making your solution you can store the mixture in a cool, dry place or in the fridge to use throughout the season.
Using this garlic method is popular among many experts as it is completely safe and avoids having to use pesticides.
John Clifford, director of Gardenstone added: "Using chemical pesticides is advised against, except in particularly difficult situations, as they're harmful to the environment as well as human health."
As well as being a fan of using the garlic solution, the gardening expert recommends another method.
He said: "You can also place garlic cloves around the outside of your plants, either in full pieces or as crushed-up pieces."
As well as garlic there are other ways you can naturally get rid of garden pests.
Experts at Garden Buildings Direct said that slugs are also repelled by items such as citrus fruits and eggshells.
A spokesperson said: "Place the peels and rinds of oranges, lemons and limes around the most vulnerable plants to stop any pest damage.
“Eggshell barriers also work as a natural deterrent to slugs and snails."
What other ways can I stop slugs from eating my plants?
Here are seven natural ways you can deter slugs from eating your plants and shrubs.
Garlic
Blend up garlic cloves and mix with water to create a strong-smelling solution. This garlic mixture can be sprayed on plants and around the garden where slugs are often found.
The pungent smell and taste will naturally repel slugs.
Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds should be spread into the soil to act as a natural deterrent to slugs and snails.
The caffeine will also work as a fertiliser to the soil to promote healthy growth for your plants and shrubs.
Rough mulch
Mulch such as bark, woodchips, grit and gravel create a natural barrier for slugs, who find it hard to cross over.
Layer up the mulch around your garden barriers to prevent damage from the pests.
Citrus peels
Slugs will be repelled from the acidity found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges and limes.
Place peels and rinds next to any vulnerable plants to deter slugs.
The citrus fruits can also be blended up into a juice to spray over the area too.
Herbs
Planting herbs in and amongst your other plants, flowers and shrubbery can help to keep slugs away and stop them from feeding on your garden.
Slugs are repelled by the strong scents from herbs such as rosemary and thyme.
Copper
Slugs will avoid getting too close to plants which are surrounded by copper, as they will get an electric shock.
Place copper tape or wire around the base of the plants to act as a deterrent.
Eggshells
Scatter eggshells across the garden for a natural slug deterrent.
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The shells will create a difficult barrier for the pests to cross.
However, be mindful of where you scatter the eggshells as plants that require acidic soil (such as geraniums, azaleas, and hydrangeas) won’t react well.
Gardening tips and hacks
Here are some handy gardening tips and hacks from transforming your garden on a budget to the best time to prune roses.
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