Gardening

Here are some things to consider doing. Some items may not be applicable to you.

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Keeping Pests and Slugs Out of Your Garden

A healthy garden takes more than just sunlight and water—it also requires protection from common nuisances like pests and slugs. These unwelcome visitors can harm your plants, slow their growth, and undo all your hard work. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways to manage them without using harsh chemicals. Below are some natural tips to help keep your garden thriving.

Pests
Pests can damage leaves, weaken stems, and stunt plant growth. Consider trying to vacuum pest insects from your plants using a handheld vacuum, especially for smaller infestations. This method is quick, chemical-free, and helps prevent spreading bugs to other plants. Be sure to empty the vacuum canister away from your garden. Additionally, keep an eye out for early signs of trouble—such as tiny holes in leaves or sticky residue—so you can act quickly. For more persistent problems like ants, ant control gold coast services can offer targeted solutions to protect your garden effectively.

Slugs
Slugs are especially active during damp weather and often feed at night. To help get rid of slugs:

• Use raised beds: Elevating your garden can reduce slug access and improve drainage, making the environment less appealing to them.

• Create traps: Place a board or slate in your garden. Slugs will hide underneath it during the day. Check it regularly and remove any slugs you find.

• Encourage natural predators: Animals like frogs, toads, and certain birds eat slugs. Making your garden friendly to these creatures can help keep the slug population in check.

• Try barriers: Crushed eggshells, copper tape, or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around plants can deter slugs from crossing into your beds.

By combining these methods, you can reduce both pest and slug problems while keeping your garden safe, green, and chemical-free.

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