Outsmarting Slugs: Proven Methods to Stop Them from Eating Plants

Gardeners in the UK are no strangers to the problem of slugs eating their plants. This article will explore science-backed methods to keep slugs away from your garden and protect your plants.

Science-Backed Ways to Keep Slugs Away

Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators like hedgehogs, birds, and frogs in your garden can help keep slugs away. 

Creating habitats for these predators, like log piles or ponds, can help attract them to your garden.

Barriers: Stop Slugs from Eating Plants

• Copper Tape: Copper tape is an effective barrier to slugs as it gives them a mild electric shock when they come into contact with it. Applying copper tape around the base of pots or raised beds can help keep slugs away from your plants.

• Sand and Gravel: A layer of sand or gravel around your plants can make it difficult for slugs to move across, helping to keep them away from your plants.

• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells can act as a barrier to slugs, as their sharp edges can cause discomfort to their soft bodies. Sprinkling crushed eggshells around the base of plants can help keep slugs away.

• Coffee Grounds: Coffee grounds have been found to repel slugs, as the caffeine content can cause them harm. Sprinkling used coffee grounds around the base of plants can help keep slugs away.

• Garlic wash: Strong smell of garlic also repels slugs. Be sure to make up some garlic wash and start applying generously every week. This is so important as your plants in the greenhouse and garden start shooting through.

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Repellents: Stop Slugs from Eating Plants

• Homemade: Some homemade repellents like garlic spray, vinegar solution, or soapy water can help keep slugs away from your plants. These can be sprayed directly onto the plants or around the base of the plants.

• Commercial: There are also several commercial repellents available in the market, like slug pellets or copper mesh. Before using any commercial repellent, make sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions.

Visit our sales page to see the list of UK suppliers of commercial repellents.

How to Stop Slugs from Eating Plants

There are several science-backed methods to keep slugs away from your plants in the UK. 

Encouraging natural predators, using barriers like copper tape or eggshells, and using homemade or commercial repellents can all be effective ways to protect your plants. 

Don't let slugs ruin your garden, try these methods today

How fast does bamboo privacy screen grow

Bamboo is a popular choice for privacy screens due to its fast growth rate and ability to reach heights of up to 19 metres. This versatile plant can be used for both outdoor and indoor applications, making it a great option for homeowners looking to add privacy to their property or create a natural barrier.

Growth rate of bamboo

The growth rate of bamboo is determined by several factors, including the species, climate, and growing conditions. 

Some varieties of bamboo can grow up to 1 metre in a single day, while others may only grow 0.5 metres per year. Here is how fast Phyllostachys vivax f. aureocaulis grow in a day - check it out.

Common bamboo plants for privacy screens

The most common species used for privacy screens include Phyllostachys aurea, Phyllostachys nigra, and Fargesia murielae.

Phyllostachys aurea

Also known as Fishpole golden bamboo, is one of the fastest-growing varieties of bamboo. It can grow up to 2 cm in a single day and reach a maximum height of 4 metres in the UK. 

It has thick, sturdy stalks and bright golden colour, making it a popular choice for privacy screens.

Phyllostachys nigra

Also known as black bamboo, is another fast-growing variety that can reach a height of up 6 metres.  

It is renowned for its dark, almost black stalks and lush green leaves. It is often used as a privacy screen due to its thick growth and ability to reach tall heights.

Fargesia murielae

Also known as fountain bamboo (see the full list of fountain bamboo plants here), is a slower-growing variety that can reach a maximum height of 3 metres. 

This species is known for its fountain-like growth habit and lush green leaves. It is often used as a privacy screen due to its dense growth and ability to create a natural barrier. 

One of the common fountain bamboos is Fargesia murielae Rufa, a stunning bamboo with dense undergrowth foliage.

Climate and growing conditions

The climate and growing conditions can also greatly affect the growth rate of bamboo. Bamboo prefers warm, humid climates with plenty of rainfall. 

In areas with dry, hot summers, bamboo may struggle to grow or may require additional irrigation. Bamboo also prefers well-drained soil with a neutral pH level. In areas with heavy clay soil or high levels of acidity, bamboo may struggle to grow.

To ensure optimal growth, bamboo should be planted in a sunny location with plenty of space to spread out. Bamboo also prefers to be planted in groups, as they thrive in a community environment. 

Pruning bamboo

When planting bamboo, it is important to keep in mind that they can spread rapidly and may require regular maintenance to keep them in check.

Bamboo can be easily maintained by cutting back the new shoots as they appear. This can be done by cutting off the new shoots at ground level, or by digging up the entire bamboo plant and replanting it in a new location. 

Regular maintenance is important to keep bamboo in check and prevent it from spreading too much.

Grow bamboo privacy screen

Bamboo is a popular choice for privacy screens due to its fast growth rate and ability to reach tall heights. 

The growth rate of bamboo is determined by several factors, including the species, climate, and growing conditions. 

Some varieties of bamboo in the UK can grow up to 2 cm in a single day,.To ensure optimal growth, bamboo should be planted in a sunny location with plenty of space to spread out and regular maintenance. 

With proper care and attention, bamboo can provide an effective privacy screen for many years to come.

Sensory Garden Plants, Flowers, Style and Planting Ideas

Growing your own plants can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be challenging and time-consuming. But with the right amount of time, effort and knowledge, you can grow an amazing sensory garden in your backyard.

Sensory Garden Plants - Style and Planting Ideas

Creating a sensory garden allows your child to experiment with different textures, such as soil, rocks, water, mud, seeds, new sprouts, leaves, roots, and even weeds. 

It also teaches children perseverance and patience. 

There are different plants that evoke each of the five senses.

In this video, you'll see the different design styles, plants and planting ideas that you need to create a stunning sensory garden for your children.

What is a sensory garden?

A sensory garden is an outdoor space that includes plants with textures, colours, shapes and smells that stimulate all of the senses. 

It is a garden for all children but even more so for those with autism spectrum disorder, learning challenges, and behaviour difficulties. 

This garden gives children the opportunity to explore the world and learn about plants. They can enjoy it without any distractions, just them and their senses.

Rock garden ideas for small gardens and slopes

A small rock garden could be a standout feature in your rather green area. Create rock gardens to give prominence to areas that do not appear attractive such as slopes.

These types of gardens are low maintenance where low-demanding plants tend to thrive. 

There are many rock garden designs in practice, but here are photos of the stunning plants and planting style used at the Kew Rock Garden in London. They are great inspiration for both small and large rock gardens,

Watch the video and see the images.

Here are some suggestions to consider if you only have a small garden or just wish to transform a tiny portion of your yard into the garden of a rock. 

Here are the 7 ideas you can find in this video:

00:00 Rock Garden Ideas For Small Spaces 00:20 Rock garden with grasses and Bamboo 00:36 Alpine garden with waterfall 00:52 Garden with rockery and alpine plants 01:00 Mediterranean dry garden 01:20 Garden with rockery, pebbles and flowers 01:40 Rock garden with succulents

Rock gardens are an excellent option for small gardens. If you’re looking for an easy-to-maintain garden for small spaces, these ideas will inspire you.