Slug control

[Oliver Buckle]

Just read an article suggesting a barrier of ferns around beds to deter slugs, apparently they don't like them. That doesn't seem very practical, but how about surrounding a compost bin with them? It is a fair bet that anything within eight feet of a compost bin will get slugged, and that is quite a big area to lose the use of, perhaps it could be reduced? What do you think?

 

[Meadowlark]

The article is spot on.

I don't have a slug problem and never have had for some reason. If I did, however, I would definitely use ferns as a barrier against the slugs.

According to many sources including AI, ferns are effective against slugs:

" Yes — ferns really do repel slugs, and they can protect nearby plants when used as a living barrier. The evidence is consistent across multiple sources: slugs avoid ferns because their fronds are too rough, leathery, and fibrous to eat, and many ferns contain chemical compounds that slugs actively dislike. When planted around vulnerable plants, ferns can function as a physical and chemical shield."

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I'm thinking of doing it the other way round, keeping the slugs in rather than keeping them out. I must have a compost bin, or two, or three, but an eight foot radius circle is a big area to sacrifice for it.

 

[dirty hands]

Ticks like ferns. A plant here or there isnt bad but a bed of them shouldn't be in high traffic areas.

 

[Sluggy]

Well your comment seems interesting Oliver. Unfortunately they or their friends ate my three young ferns I planted in a small area beside my patio. The blighters even come into the kitchen at night for a bit of warmth during this bad weather patch we are having. Slugs and snails are quite beneficial to help composting in your bin so my gardening magazine informed me.