Avoiding plant damage: Strategic planting

Some plants are more susceptible to slug damage than others. By taking time to think about which plants you use in your garden or allotment you can help control the amount of plant damage.

Plants such as hostas are particularly attractive to slugs and can be quickly devastated. You can reduce the risk by planting them in pots topped with gravel. A copper strip can also be applied to the pot, acting as a further barrier as the slugs do not like to cross it. Dahlias and delphiniums, particularly early in the season, are other targets for snails and slugs.

Hardy geraniums are a good choice for plants that slugs avoid, along with woody shrubs and waxy plants such as thyme and houseleeks.

You can find lists of susceptible and slug resistant plants here. Or go to the RHS website.

For more information on strategic planting, click here.