Monkton Elm News, Events and Tips Blog

  There’s a duo of garden enemies we all need to be on the lookout for now. With the milder and damper weather we’re getting, slug and snail populations are increasing. To help keep them at bay here are a few handy hints: Slugs and snails dislike plants that are hairy, waxy or glossy such as geraniums and fuchsias  To repel slugs, plant mint, chives, garlic, geraniums, foxgloves or fennel around the edge of the garden Put petroleum jelly around the base and tops of plant pots, this makes it impossible for slugs and snails to reach the plant Keep your garden tidy, slugs and snails are particularly fond of decaying matter, so get rid of it Attract wildlife that eats slugs and snails to your garden. Encourage birds by supplying a bird table stocked with food.  Newts and toads also eat slugs and snails and can be attracted by ponds or boggy areas Egg shells, grit, hair, sawdust and sand all work as barriers to slugs and snails so place them around your plants ...

As temperatures start to drop, outdoor pests become less active and diseases start to become dormant but it is important to stay vigilant.

As temperatures start to drop, outdoor pests become less active and diseases start to become dormant but you should still stay vigilant.

Pest watch During the warm, dry days of summer, pests like red spider mite, aphids and whitefly and diseases like mildew can really take hold and get out of control.