I’m a gardening expert and swear by a 83p trick to get rid of slugs from your garden for good – and it works every time
MANY of us will be hoping for a Summer where we can enjoy our gardens in the sunshine, but with British summer, often comes the problem of various pests and critters.
But luckily there's a simple trick you can rely on to keep the pests ay bay - and it won't break the bank either.
According to paving experts, Armstrong Cheshire Patios, there’s a one secret trick and a few easy-to-care for plants that will keep away the curious critters, beautifying your outdoor space, and provide kitchen garnishes
Simon Wardle, Owner and patio expert at Armstrong Cheshire Patios, reveals the five plants that Brits should consider using beer and other easy-to-care for plants around their garden or patio to enjoy a pest free summer
Beer
This may shock a few people, but planting a container such as an old ice cream tub containing 2 to 3 inches of beer, such as San Miguel, in your soil can be the perfect solution to slugs and snails - keeping them away from your house and home, as well as plants.
Simon advises “Make sure you keep the beer topped up as this trick works best with fresh beer.
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"This works for your patio and decking, too, although if you’re not burying it in the soil, try a low bowl, such as a walled plate. It works for all beers, so use whatever you already have in the fridge".
The yeast in the beer attracts snails and slugs who can either be left to drown, or removed to a safe local green space.
"Slugs and snails are particularly active in warm, wet weather like right now."
You can pick up 12 bottles of San Miguel from Tesco for just £10 with a clubcard, which means this trick works out at just 83p - and you can kick back and enjoy a drink when the job is done too.
The Science Behind This Method
So how does it work?
This tried and tested method of killing off slugs with a cup or tray of beer has proved to be very effective.
Slugs love the scent of beer, and so will make their way to liquid, fall into it, and die what we would hope is a pleasant (as possible) death.
Slugs are attracted to the yeasty, fermented odour of beer and prefer it to the fresh smell of your growing plants.
It is the ethanol in the beer that kills them.
Morris Hankinson, of Hopes Grove Nurseries, told The Sun: “Spare beer placed in a small container and put in the ground among your plants will attract slugs to a yeasty demise.
“Fresh coffee grounds do the opposite, they deter slugs when sprinkled around plants and also slow down rot, which helps to improve your soil.”
Mint and Peppermint
“Many people reach for a summer mojito or in cooking, but mint and peppermint plants also have pest-fighting properties.
"Whether you’ve the ability to plant in soil, or just have pots around your patio, the strong smell will keep away both rats and mosquitoes.”
Simon of Armstrong Cheshire Patio's explains "As it is so easy to care for, mint and peppermint a perfect plant for beginners.
"It is essentially a weed so, its recommend whether you've plant beds or patio, to plant in pots as it will grow so quickly”
Lavender
Another strong smelling plant, not only does the vibrant purple fill your outdoor space with colour and calming scent, but it can keep pests to a minimum.
"It is perfect for keeping mosquitos, moths and flies away from your space.
"Like mint, it can be most planted or purchased in a patio-friendly pot straight from garden centres."
Sage
Perfect for wannabe-chefs, sage is another plant that can ward off lots of pests including rats and mosquitos - who once again hate the strong pungent smell.