The slugs and snails seem to be attracted to every kind of perennial I’ve planted – daylilies, Hosta, coneflowers, tickweed, black-eyed Susan’s, etc. I’ve used the granuals recommended around my plants, but they still come back. Any suggestions? AND – my flowers tend to get black spots on them from the base of the leaves to the tips – is this from the sugs and snails, or another problem entirely? And dhow for I prevent it from happening again? Any help you can offer is GREATLY appreciated as it ruins all my gardens.sjacklin@nycap.rr.com
Iron phosphate pellets wok but you have to stick with it and follow the directions. Don’t scatter the pellets but leave small piles throughout the area. With consistent use, it will break down the population to tolerable levels. The spotting is generally due to fungal disorders so early application of a fungicide can help…something like sulfur, or neen oil sprays as a preventative. Another mistake folks make is spray watering. When you water, use a watering wand or soaker hoses to wet the soil while leaving the foliage dry. Regularly watering your gardens with a lawn sprinkler is weakening the plants as well as providing the perfect environment for fungal disease to thrive. More on that HERE.