small saucer of beer between every couple plants and the slugs would much rather have the beer. They should all be dead really quick

 

I've heard that chickens love them. You can just dump a few in and move them from bed to bed until they've had their fill.

 

I second the beer. Only took 2 cans to rid my garden.

 

I'd be concerned about the birds damaging the fruit.

You can mix 1:15 ammonia:water and spray. It kills the slugs.
You have to keep doing it, it only kills the ones that are "out", not any of the eggs that are underground. But it works great.

I've read that some plants need to be sprayed again wtih just water about an hour after being sprayed with the ammonia/water mixture, but I've never rinsed mine and I've not encountered any damage from the ammonia.

Maybe do a couple of test plants and then spray a day or week later when you're comfortable with the effects.

 

Chickens love tomatoes as much as slugs. I use ducks.

 

In addition the other good answers, try crushed eggshells around the plants. They don't like to crawl over them.

 

Chickens love tomatoes as much as slugs. I use ducks.

Robin,

Can you please share a few details on what breed of ducks you use and how you use them? Im particular what steps do you take to minimize damage to your veggie plants.

I had big problems with slugs earlier this year and am considering ducks for next year to aid in slug control on my 1/4 acre garden.

Thanks!

Brian

 

I put beer out in my tomatoes about 2 hours ago and so far have collected 15 slugs!

 

we used Indian runners we only had a trio, One male and two females. They were fabulous. They are all the gigantic slugs, medium and searched for all the tiny ones. we then fenced them out of the garden and only let them in there every few weeks for a few hours, they seemed to look for slugs first, then started to feast on the lettuce, Then we chased them out till next time.
They are worth their weight in eggs an slug duty. I will be getting some next Spring/

 

Ducks rock! Nothing better for slug control. I couldn't have a garden without them. We in the Pacific NW are the mother country of all slugs, I think.

However, they will tromple all your plants. So for next year, here's your game plan: Fence them IN your garden before you plant to de-slug the area, for as long as you can/like. Then when you are ready to plant, fence them OUT. You may free-range them (I do) or have an outer circle of fence (like a dry moat, so to speak) for them to patrol.

They are the easiest animal to keep. They keep themselves. And their eggs are rich and delish.