To effectively get rid of slugs on zinnias, I recommend using traps as a mechanical form of slug control. This method involves placing trap boards, moist newspaper, or carpet samples around the plants where slugs have been feeding. These traps should be about a square foot in size to provide enough space for the slugs to gather.
After setting up the traps, it’s important to give them a couple of days to attract the slugs. Slugs are attracted to the moisture and shelter provided by the traps, and they will gather on the underside to hide. This is where you can easily find and remove them.
To check the traps, simply lift them up and carefully inspect the underside. Look for any slugs that have gathered there and remove them. It’s important to destroy the slugs to prevent them from returning to your zinnias. You can dispose of them by drowning them in a bucket of soapy water or squashing them.
Using traps for slug control is a practical and effective method because it specifically targets the slugs that are causing damage to your zinnias. By removing them from the traps, you are directly reducing the slug population around your plants.
In addition to using traps, it’s also helpful to create a slug-unfriendly environment in your garden. Slugs thrive in moist and shady areas, so try to minimize these conditions around your zinnias. Here are some tips:
1. Provide good drainage: Ensure that the soil around your zinnias is well-drained to discourage slug activity. Avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage if needed.
2. Remove hiding places: Slugs like to hide under debris, such as fallen leaves or plant debris. Regularly remove any potential hiding spots near your zinnias to make it less attractive for slugs.
3. Create barriers: Consider placing physical barriers around your zinnias to prevent slugs from reaching them. This can include copper tape or sharp gravel around the base of the plants. Slugs dislike crossing these barriers due to their texture or the electric charge produced by copper.
4. Companion planting: Some plants are known to repel slugs, so consider interplanting zinnias with slug-resistant plants. Examples include marigolds, lavender, rosemary, and fennel. This can help deter slugs from feasting on your zinnias.
5. Natural predators: Encourage natural predators of slugs, such as birds, frogs, and toads, to visit your garden. Creating a wildlife-friendly garden with bird feeders, water sources, and shelter can attract these beneficial creatures.
Remember that slug control is an ongoing process and may require persistence. Regularly monitor your zinnias for slug activity and take necessary measures to keep them at bay. By employing a combination of traps, environmental modifications, and natural deterrents, you can effectively manage slugs and protect your beautiful zinnias.
