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Slugs
Apr 15, 2010 21:43:49 GMT
Post by spindrift on Apr 15, 2010 21:43:49 GMT
Yes, Baz, I know that snails and slugs come out at night I always look out for them when I'm visiting the rubbish bin in the dark Sometimes I do pick up slugs with my bare hands. They're a bit sticky, that's all. Toads and frogs, although delightful creatures, can be noisy at night.
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Slugs
Apr 15, 2010 23:13:50 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2010 23:13:50 GMT
Baz,I hope what you transplanted makes a comeback. It sounds like you did everything right. Good luck with this. We lost a lot this winter as well,I look everyday to see if some beloved specimen has any signs of life.
As for the toads and frogs being noisy,I don't mind at all. It does bother some people,I am delighted by their various songs,mating calls and the climax of their mating behavior which we have come to refer to as "prom night". One neighbor calls our house Maison des Grenouilles. I have ID'd 3 species of frogs,2 species of toads,all by their songs. And,I don't have any slugs or snails.
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 2:25:41 GMT
Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2010 2:25:41 GMT
he idea of having toads and frogs is impractical Not really -- you simply create a sort of "if I build it, they will come" situation. Once your new garden gets going, with weeds cleared and regular watering, there will probably be spots the toads and frogs will like to lurk. But you can make the yard more welcoming simply by turning a clay pot or two on its side, or wedging a bit of board or broken pot in the ground. Do this in a tucked away spot away from foot traffic, one that's a little darker and moister. Then, hold off on the chemicals so that you won't kill off everything the toads and frogs like to eat. The chemicals kill all the beneficial insects, too, and probably repel the very creatures that would dine on slugs. An added benefit will be more butterflies and birds visiting your yard.
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 4:04:31 GMT
Post by fumobici on Apr 16, 2010 4:04:31 GMT
I live in the slug capital of the universe. My solution is to no longer grow anything that they like enough to kill. The alternative is 4% metaldehyde by the 10 lb. sack. None of the greener alternatives I've heard of are truly and reliably effective.
I think I miss growing basil most of all, but luckily it can be bought fresh now at the market year 'round.
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 6:45:09 GMT
Post by bjd on Apr 16, 2010 6:45:09 GMT
I occasionally end up with an upside-down flower pot behind a bush. But I don't get frogs (no water nearby) or toads. It fills up with snails.
I was told to spread ashes around my plants -- well, none of that ecological stuff works! I don't overdo it with chemicals, but I do put anti-slug pellets around certain plants.
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 9:36:30 GMT
Post by spindrift on Apr 16, 2010 9:36:30 GMT
They only go for my Hosta so I've sprinkled some pellets around it (I just have one hosta in a pot)....
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 15:40:42 GMT
Post by lola on Apr 16, 2010 15:40:42 GMT
Our strawberry bed was snail heaven last year, but I guess I should be grateful the hostas and basil weren't visibly bothered. It is unpleasant to pick a juicy red berry and find a slug nestling up in it.
What about that black powder that's supposed to irritate their bellies? I think it has some "a's" in it. I may try the beer again soon and head some of them off at the pass or at least interfere with their mating rituals. (does anyone remember the movie about bugs maybe 10-13 years ago that had a closeup scene with sexy music of snails in romantic action?)
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 15:47:53 GMT
Post by bixaorellana on Apr 16, 2010 15:47:53 GMT
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Slugs
Apr 16, 2010 15:51:05 GMT
Post by lola on Apr 16, 2010 15:51:05 GMT
That's it! Thanks, Bixa.
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