Coffee grounds did not work for me. Snails glid right over the mound and finished off the seedlings.. :( Egg shells work to a degree... I might try diatomaceous earth.. thanks for the suggestion.

Commercial product: "Sluggo"

"This slug control contains iron phosphate and remains effective up to 4 weeks. The slug control breaks down into organic fertilizer and can be used in the garden and around pets and wildlife. The slug control remains effective after rain and works well in cool weather.

• Contains iron phosphate to kill snails and slugs
• 0.5 - 1 lb. treats up to 1,000 sq. ft.
• Long-lasting formula remains effective up to 4 weeks, even after rain
• Works well in cool weather for versatility
• Use in vegetable gardens up until the day of harvest
• Safe around pets and wildlife for worry-free application
• Breaks down into organic fertilizer
• OMRI listed organic
• Note: Product may vary by store"
• 
  

Has anyone tried Sluggo before? It would sure beat me having to go out every night with a flashlight and scissors.

I use Natria which is the same thing I believe. I started using it last year and is very effective.

Thanks!

Sad to report that egg shell does not work! I planted my beautiful seedlings deep in a pile of crushed egg shells and the slugs/snails still chomped them off. Urgh... Snail bait it is!

I housed three ducks in our garden, and they were quite effective in eating the numerous slugs, until coyotes ate the ducks. Coyotes didn't prowl during daylight.

yeah a lot of the methods only partly work some of the time. so its like...lessening the damage, not completely eliminating it.

one thing that does work - seaweed. only, unfortunately, it is very salty and the salts arent that great for getting in your soil, but its those very salts that the slugs hate. partially rinsed off theres still lots of salt on the seaweed, and it is a good amendment once it breaks down and releases minerals and nutrients....

another thing is placing boards around the garden. the slugs love these, and use them to hide underneath...they munch your plants at night (f*@#ers!!!!) and then when the sun comes up they go to sleep under the boards, usually stuck upsidedown to the bottom. so then every day if you go out and lift up the boards, you can get a couple + off each board on a daily basis.

beer traps also work.

+1 for ducks lloydtuck...totally, that does work. thats a benefit many people dont think of...chicken, ducks, quail, etc...all totally help out the garden by consuming all the bugs and leaving their wastes as fertilizer....i have seen some people have runs for chickens in a border around the perimeter of the garden. so before any more bugs migrate into the garden, they have to cross chicken land!
course its a big step to keep birds...and totally...we had some chickens here until something ate them...keeping your birds from being eaten by predators is a big chore....unless you get a great set up.

For your viewing pleasure ...

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/1404613/snails-eating-your-starts-be-smart-and-strategic

Phylis, thanks for the video. I've often thought about using copper tape when I've seen it offered in gardening departments, etc. Not always the cheapest solution, though, with a hungry wallet. Usually I just buy Sluggo. Now, though, I'm thinking copper might well be a decent long term investment for certain specific uses. Totally kewl to see it "in action"! :)

cryptid, I read that the "smart" ones will arch over the copper barrier to cross, and some Amazon reviews commented it wasn't effective. Oh well...

Geez, Phylis,...that figures! LOL! Hmmm,...guess if I use the copper I should double the width, then, eh? It's kinda like our Italian, commando Pocket Gophers,...seems like they have a defense against nearly everything,...and they looooove garlic! Go figure. :/

BTW, do the Blue Angels still put on annual shows out of Moffett Field anymore? Loved that when I was a kid! 1989 was the last time I saw them, over-n-around the Golden Gate Bridge.

cryptid, I have only 1 sunflower left, from the 8 I sowed. How sad... I even encased them in tall plastic bottle collar. Alas, it was useless against the persistent snails/slugs.

We used to live right by Moffet Field for 5 years! Now they've moved the show to San Francisco. Still a local favorite, no doubt. :)

I just wanted to report that I started using Sluggo about a week ago and it does seem to be working for me. Prior to that I had tried eggshells and was also going out every night with a flashlight and scissors. Neither of those was very effective.

"phylis(9b CA)

cryptid, I have only 1 sunflower left, from the 8 I sowed. How sad... I even encased them in tall plastic bottle collar. Alas, it was useless against the persistent snails/slugs.

We used to live right by Moffet Field for 5 years! Now they've moved the show to San Francisco. Still a local favorite, no doubt. :)"

Too bad we can't all have Garter Snakes patrolling our gardens, `cause I happily witnessed one ravenously devour a banana slug in my FIL's garden one year. Them puppies, and Gopher Snakes as well.

Then, there's always this, I suppose, also:

Escargot From Your Own Backyard

Snails from Your Garden to Your Table

Thanks for the "Blue Angels" update! :)