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I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 4:15 pm
by cactuspip
Earlier in the year I sowed over 70 packets of Gymnocalycium seeds from Volker Schaedlich in Germany. Germination had been pretty good, apart from those in the muscoseminuem sub section.
When I went to check on them yesterday a snail had gotten into the 2" pots and eaten most of them!
I found the culprit, but couldn't think of a punishment suitable to the crime.
To say I'm annoyed would be understatement.
Grrrrrrr!!!!!
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 4:57 pm
by ralphrmartin
So disheartening. I used to get a lot of problems with slugs in Cardiff, but as things are drier here, I've not had much trouble.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 5:25 pm
by iann
They seem to have a knack for finding the most desirable seedlings.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 5:26 pm
by Tony R
Oh dear, Philip.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 5:55 pm
by Ernie
I have been protecting my prized Hostas in the garden by surrounding them with horticultural grit. It clogs up the snails foot. Plants unmarked but a number of dead snails. I have also got two frogs and they must be helping with slugs because I have not see many so far.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 7:16 pm
by FredG
Sorry Ernie but if this is so how come the slugs and snails can quite regularly saunter across the pots in the greenhouse that are topped with horticultural grit?
The only protection I've found to work 100% is to put up an electric fence. Copper tape on its own doesn't work but put two rings around a pot / tray with a 3-5mm gap and connect the two to the terminals of a 9v battery and fzzzt, they don't cross. You can cut costs by using the much cheaper aluminium tape too
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 7:31 pm
by edds
I've found the copper rings, with sharp grit either side and nematodes a couple of times a year reduces the damage, especially on new growth but doesn't eliminate it. Good enough for me though.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 7:36 pm
by Aiko
Put them on a table where the table legs are standing in water, such as standing in a tupperware box that is filled with water. If the legs of the table are made from wood, you might have them elevated a bit by putting them on something that can be in the water. Then just make sure there is always some water in there to stop the slugs from crossing over to your table.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 7:39 pm
by Ernie
FredG wrote: ↑Sun May 30, 2021 7:16 pm
Sorry Ernie but if this is so how come the slugs and snails can quite regularly saunter across the pots in the greenhouse that are topped with horticultural grit?
The only protection I've found to work 100% is to put up an electric fence. Copper tape on its own doesn't work but put two rings around a pot / tray with a 3-5mm gap and connect the two to the terminals of a 9v battery and fzzzt, they don't cross. You can cut costs by using the much cheaper aluminium tape too
All I can say is not a single leaf of my Hostas have been chewed since I started to apply grit and I have been picking up snails with clogged up feet.It works for me. I have never had a problem with slugs and snails in the greenhouse.
Re: I hate Snails!
Posted: Sun May 30, 2021 7:46 pm
by Pattock
FredG wrote: ↑Sun May 30, 2021 7:16 pm
Sorry Ernie but if this is so how come the slugs and snails can quite regularly saunter across the pots in the greenhouse that are topped with horticultural grit?
The only protection I've found to work 100% is to put up an electric fence.
I use predatory nematodes twice a year. I should be getting the second lot soon. Very necessary in Manchester. Turns slugs and snails into fertiliser. Some come in from outside, I am not sure if any survive when treated directly.
Preferably applied on the day you get them. If it is a dry day, water it in.
https://www.nematodesdirect.co.uk/nemaslug/8-nemaslug