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FacebookThe Fong’s vs. The Slugs
For the last two years we have planted a garden. We have learned what it is like to nurture seedlings in to full grown plants. We have stood along the fence night after night surveying our crops. We have harvested baskets and baskets of tomatoes, zucchinis and cucumbers. We had not until this year experienced gardening as a full contact sport.
Round 1
I am not sure who first discovered the fact that our spinach, broccoli and cabbage were starting to resemble Swiss Cheese but it was discovered nonetheless. With a little advice from the Extension Agent Don we went to Earl May and purchased a box of SLUGGO. That evening it was distributed throughout the garden, as a sense of accomplishment surrounded us and our anticipated defeat of The Slugs.
However, the next morning our tomato and pepper plants had gone from 6 inch stocks with 4 or 5 leaves to 3 inch sticks with zero leaves. Round 1 went to The Slugs!
Round 2
BEER! Who knew that the slugs, like the Fongs, enjoy the taste of a cold beer at the end of the day? We set out 10 small containers of Keystone Light to attract the slugs to their drowning demise. We caught a few, but our stand of Zinnias barely cracked the surface before they were each nibbled off and quickly retreated never to be seen again. Round 2 went to The Slugs!
Round 3
Round 3 started with a discovery of “hundreds of slugs” by Matt at 11 pm on a Wednesday night, 3 weeks from the first discovery. They were on every plant in the backyard except the strawberries. We sat in bed hopeless and angry that a small, seemingly defenseless pile of snot could destroy our dreams for the summer in a matter of days. We counted our blessings and acknowledged the fact that there are much greater tragedies in life than a summer filled with grocery store tomatoes. Discouraged but not defeated Matt went to Walmart at 11:30pm to find another product to provide at least a glimmer of hope for the night. Round 3 went to The Slugs!
The Slugs have won this match but The Fongs will prevail with a much greater appreciation for gardening as not just a hobby but a sport. Stay tuned…
About the author: Kaleena & Matt Fong
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Good luck, my friends.
My grandmother extolled the virtues of eggshells to keep slugs at bay.
I found a Web page that may help as well:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Organic-Gardening/2007-08-01/Garden-Slug-Control.aspx
Good luck, my friends.
My grandmother extolled the virtues of eggshells to keep slugs at bay. I’m sure there are tons of other “country lore” that may or may not be helpful.
My plantings were decimated by the nasty little creatures last year, especially my hosta. I tried the beer cure to no avail. This year I have declared war. Better living (and gardening) with chemicals. That’s why God (or Ortho) invented Bug Getta.
I’ve heard slugs enjoy cornmeal and that they die after eating it. Good luck!
Seems I just read somewhere that 20 Mule Team Borax will get those slimey critters…they eat & expand & …. just like ants do.