Slugs are widespread animals that can cause problems in the garden such as eating holes in leaves, stems, flowers, tubers and bulbs.

As the leading supplier of raised garden beds for customers across Shropshire and Staffordshire, Weston Sawmill understands the importance of keeping your greenery safe from the threat of slugs.

They can cause damage all year round on different types of plants, but seedlings and new growth on herbaceous plants in spring are the most vulnerable.

For our latest blog, we are going to share some handy tips on how to combat slugs in your garden.

Identifying Attacks from Slugs

Many plants that can be affected by slugs are ornamentals, plus vegetables in gardens and greenhouses with symptoms to be wary of including holes in –

• Leaves
• Stems
• Flowers and potato tubers

Please note that seedlings can also be killed.

The majority of slugs feed at night and if their slime trails are present; can give you an indication of the level of activity. Damage is typically most severe during warm humid periods of the year.

Hostas, delphiniums, dahlias, gerberas, sweet peas and tulips are regular targets for slugs making it difficult to grow these plants if you have a problem with slugs.
Vegetable garden peas, beans, lettuce, celery and potato tubers can also be damaged.

Larger slugs feed primarily on decomposing organic matter such as dead leaves dung and in some cases, dead slugs. In compost heaps, they can actually be a valuable part of the composting process.

Grow Plants in Peace with Weston Sawmill

Scattering slug pellets thinly around vulnerable plants such as seedlings, vegetables and young shoots on herbaceous plants will help combat slugs.
It is important to store pellets safely and scatter them thinly as they can harm other wildlife, pets and young children if eaten in quantity.

There are currently two types of slug pellet approved for garden use, which are based on metaldehyde and those based on ferric phosphate – with the latter approved for use by organic growers.

Contact Us for More Information

If you need any more advice about keeping your garden thriving or want to know more about any of our products, please get in touch today.

Bulbs can make a fine display when planted in containers or raised garden beds, especially daffodils, snowdrops and tulips in spring.
These are the easiest and most rewarding garden plants to grow at this time of year.

Here at Weston Sawmill, we supply raised garden beds that will transform the look of your garden, plus the finest decking and made-to-measure gates.

Why Bulbs are Important for Gardens

Bulbs are useful for adding some colour to spring borders with tulips coming in all shades, from dark purple to white.
Other bulbs such as snowdrops and scillas can be some of the earliest flowering plants in gardens, which can brighten up shorter days in early spring.
Planting summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies and gladioli will provide dramatic, tall blooms that are also scented.

Where Should I Plant Bulbs?

Some bulbs require specific siting, such as –

Hardy Bulbs – Tulips and daffodils prefer a warm, sunny site with good drainage as they originated from areas with dry summer climates.
Bulbs from Cool, Moist, Woodland Habitats – Species such as Cardiocrinum need similiar garden conditions plus we recommend improving light or sandy soils with garden compost and heavy soils with compost plus grit.

Your Guide to Planting Bulbs

Most bulbs are acquired and planted when dry in a dormant, leafless and rootless state. They should be planted as soon as possible and could flower poorly if planted at a later date.

Transform your Garden Today

Weston Sawmill is based just off the A5 near the Shropshire/Staffordshire border, making us the best destination to give your garden a revamp for both counties.
Since 1993, our product range and services have expanded but our loyal customer base is the reason we remain top dogs in our industry.
If you have any questions about any of our products, please contact us today.