Gardener shares list of plants slugs 'don't eat' for a 'colourful' outdoor space
A gardening enthusiast has shared a list of plants and flowers that won't be "bothered" by slugs.
A gardening enthusiast has shared a list of 31 plants that slugs won't touch, promising a "colourful" outdoor space free from the slimy pests.
Slugs are notorious for devouring leaves and leaving shrubs in tatters, but they also play a crucial role in nature's ecosystem, making prevention a better strategy than extermination.
The advice comes from a member of the Gardening UK - Hints, tips and advice Facebook group, who has observed slug behaviour in their own garden.
The list includes a variety of shrubs that bloom with beautiful flowers and even some vegetables, ranging from foxgloves and wallflowers to roses and sweet peas.
Based on her personal gardening experience, she noted that mature, robust plants are less likely to be targeted by slugs compared to younger, weaker ones.
Helen Wood posted on the social media page: "Thought I'd list the plants I have in my garden that are not bothered by slugs as a guide for folks new to gardening that are having their plants munched.
"As well as choosing plants that slugs don't eat, a strong healthy plant will always have a better chance than a young tender (tasty) one.
"I'm sure others can add to this list from their gardens but just wanted to show you can have a colourful garden without slug damage. Happy gardening."
There are plenty of natural ways to deter slugs in gardens, from rubbing plant pots with Vaseline, to correctly feeding soil. By following this list, gardeners could save themselves the stress of having to deal with the issue, reports the Daily Record.
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The 31 plants slugs won't eat
- Alchemilla (ladies mantle)
- Foxgloves
- Perennial Geraniums
- Alliums
- Sedum
- Wallflowers (perennial & biennial) Aquilegia
- Erigeron
- Veronica
- Phlox
- Geum
- Japanese Anemone
- Catmint
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Astilbe
- Astrantia
- Euphorbias
- Valerian
- Ferns
- Thalictrum
- Potentilla
- Hardy salvias
- Sweet peas
- Echinacea (young plants get eaten but not bigger ones)
- Roses
- Scabious
- Eryngium
- Echinops
- Knautia
- Achillea
Helen's suggestions we're backed up by her fellow garden fans, who took to the comments to offer additional suggestions.
"This is a great list! I'd add snapdragons (antirrhinums) and peonies too," one person said.
A second wrote: "I would add Camassia, Hypericum, Dianthus, Chrysanthemum, Cyclamen, Helibore."
Some said that they had bad experiences with certain listed plants, but Helen offered some advice as to why this could actually be happening.
One of her most-given tips was that younger plants may draw in slugs and in some instances she suggested that other pests may be the real culprits.
One comment stated: "Interesting that last year (I had a major slug problem) and thought my echinacea and alliums would be ok but they were a particular treat for the slugs and were eaten more than anything.
"They didn't touch the purple sensation bulbs but gobbled up the Allium Millenium like they were Michelin."
To which she replied: "I've found my echinacea are fine now they are well established plants but they needed watching when they were young plants."
A green-fingered Briton opined: "I always see damage on my roses and never get it, would think it would cut them but apparently spikes don't stop them, something oily does.
In response, Helen proposed: "Could it be caterpillars of some kind, or leaf cutters? Slugs don't usually damage roses."
