Managing molluscs

This is an exciting time for crops, and for rampaging slugs and snails. Bob shows you how to keep things in check

- Bob Flowerdew

YOU know the symptoms: large pieces missing from leaves, petals gone, even whole flowerbuds, trays of seedlings decimated, and tomatoes and strawberries developing holes overnight. This is nearly always because of slugs and snails, the gardener’s perpetual foe. It’s right now when the weather is warm and moist, and our plants are young and lush, that they do most damage. If we do not take action, they will carry on causing more damage, and risk many of our efforts going to waste.