Gardeners: a question

[isabel]

Our hubbard squash plant has slugs on it. They seem to be eating the squash blossoms. Is this concerning? If so, what should I do about it? Also, slugs are so gross.

[snipsnsnails]

Yeah, they'll take down your whole plant. Bury a cup (like a red Solo cup) in the soil near the plant and fill it halfway to 3/4 full with beer. It will attract the slugs and they'll drown. Empty it and refill each night.

I've also heard of people putting a barrier around the affected plant of something rough that the slugs can't cross: crushed up eggshells, sandpaper, crushed rocks, etc.

[moreace01]

Ew. Slugs are gross.

I would maybe try diatomaceous earth. I've also heard of people trapping/drowning them in beer. I have no clue if that works or not.

[isabel]

Ugh! Ok, I'll try the beer thing.

What about a ring of salt?

[thatgirl2478]

Jul 5, 2015 22:09:56 GMT -5 isabel said:

Ugh! Ok, I'll try the beer thing.

What about a ring of salt?

That might kill the whole plant. 

[snipsnsnails]

Jul 5, 2015 22:09:56 GMT -5 isabel said:

Ugh! Ok, I'll try the beer thing.

What about a ring of salt?

Ha, it will kill your soil. But if you have a non-soil border further out, go for it!

[7costanza]

I've had good luck with sluggo (iron phosphate), and it's safe for animals.

[dexteroni]

Slugs *are* gross. But yes, you have to get rid of them. I found two near my beloved and very productive green bean plant last week. One was already on its way out, so I let it continue slowly on its way. I scooped the other out with my garden spade and placed it in the woods. I also had some mysterious holes in places slugs can't reach, so I applied diatomaceous earth to both the soil and the plants themselves. I misted the plants and sprinkled it on all the leaves of all of the plants, and spooned a thin border around the edge of the garden bed. This is my first year of vegetable gardening, but hopefully that will take care of pests both flying and crawling. Crushed eggshells are another option, but I don't eat enough eggs to have an adequate supply, plus eggshells won't protect the leaves of the plants. I've also planted marigolds and chives, both of which are supposed to deter certain pests.

If you use diatomaceous earth, make sure you get food grade - it's an absolute must. This is the brand I bought, as recommended by a more experienced gardener friend. It's food grade and organic. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0093NBPO0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00

[cabbagecabbage]

I was just going to suggest diatomaceous earth. I bought a bag five years ago and still have some.