Unbeatable Vegetable Choices: A Comprehensive List of 17 Veggies That Repel Slugs and Snails
Want to grow a garden that'll drive slugs and snails up the wall? Here's a list of 17 veggies that these little critters tend to steer clear of. Give them a shot, and you'll be enjoying a delicious, slug-free harvest in no time!
1. Artichokesartichokes might just be the ultimate slug-resistant plant. They're perennials, so they're easier to grow than many veggies, and they're untroubled by slugs and snails once they're established. Once grown to a height of around 1.5m, the buds of mature plants can be picked when they're orange-sized.
2. BeetrootBeetroot isn't typically high on a slug's menu, so sowing your seeds directly in the ground is usually safe. However, in years when slug populations are high, it's best to start seeds off in modules and transplant larger plants. Popular varieties include 'Boltardy', 'Red Ace', and 'Chioggia'.
3. CeleryOnce scoffed off as a vegetable that's more trouble to chew than it's worth, celery actually offers numerous health benefits. Start your seeds under cover in spring, then grow them on in 9cm pots until mature before planting them out after the last frosts. While small plants might be a snack for slugs, they're much less susceptible to damage once they're larger.
4. CeleriacClosely related to celery, celeriac forms a large, knobbly edible base. Mature celeriac plants are usually left alone by slugs, though the amount of bitterness depends on the variety. Try 'Ibis' and 'Brilliant' for smooth-skinned varieties that are easier to prepare.
5. ChardIt's rare to lose entire chard plants to slugs, though they might go after the young leaves or outer leaves of mature plants. Chard is hardy and seeds can be sown directly into the soil, but it's easier to grow plants in 9cm pots before planting them out in spring. Varieties like 'Fordhook Giant' and 'Bright Lights' are popular choices.
6. Early PotatoesThanks to their early planting and quick harvesting schedule, early potatoes are less likely to be damaged by slugs. Plant your seed potatoes under the cover of a cloche or in containers in a greenhouse, then earth them up when frost threatens. Varieties like 'Jazzy' and 'Red Duke of York' are popular choices.
7. EndiveYoung endive plants and those covered for blanching might attract slugs, but mature, unblanched plants are usually left alone. Sow your seeds in batches throughout the year, targeting either summer or winter harvests depending on the variety. Try 'Frenzy' for summer crops and 'Natascha' for winter crops.
8. GarlicSpray your plants with a mix of water and garlic, and slugs might just pass them by! Other than this non-lethal deterrent, bulbs are rarely bothered by slugs. Try 'Cristo' or 'Solent White' for planting in the autumn.
9. HerbsSome herbs, like basil, dill, coriander, and fennel, might attract slugs when they're young, but many others are too strongly flavored or tough for the little pests. Rosemary, mint, leaf fennel, parsley, marjoram, thyme, tarragon, and sage are all good choices that repel slugs.
10. Jerusalem ArtichokesThis tender, sunflower-like vegetable might occasionally be nibbled on by slugs when its leaves are young, but it's a vigorous grower and rarely encounters significant problems. Don't hesitate to try planting these in spring, as they grow well in either sun or light shade.
11. Lambs LettuceSow seeds of varieties like 'Favor' directly into the soil or in a greenhouse between spring and autumn. Lambs lettuce usually grows better as a winter and spring crop, but it can be harvested almost year-round if you're patient.
12. LeeksStart your seeds in modules or 9cm pots in spring, then transplant them when they've grown to around 15-20cm tall and pencil thickness. Leeks need sun and well-drained soil to thrive. For a good variety, try 'Malabar' or 'Krypton'.
13. PeasPeas are rarely damaged by slugs once they've grown past the seedling stage. To minimize problems, sow your seeds in 9cm pots or lengths of guttering and transplant them when they've put on good growth. Popular varieties include 'Oregon Sugar Pod' for mangetout or 'Jaguar' for podded peas.
14. RadicchioRadicchio, a type of chicory, has a bitter flavor that's unappealing to slugs and snails after the seedling stage. Additionally, the bitter outer leaves naturally blanch the inner leaves. Try sowing seeds of varieties like 'Palla Rossa' from April onwards.
15. SquashSquash can be prone to slug damage when they're young, but once established, they have tough leaves and fruit that deter slugs. Try sowing seeds in the spring and planting them out after the last frost in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
16. SweetcornFresh sweet corn is delicious, and fortunately, it's usually left alone by slugs. Sow seeds in late spring and plant them in an open sunny site with well-drained soil. To ensure good airflow for pollination, plant them in blocks rather than rows.
17. TomatoesTomato plants are a gardener's favorite, and thankfully, they're slug-proof. While ripening fruit might occasionally be nibbled on by slugs, it's usually only those near the ground that are affected. To maximize your success, try blight-resistant varieties like 'Oh Happy Day' or 'Goldwin Golden Cocktail' if you're growing outdoors, or more diverse options like 'Suncherry Premium' or 'Gigantomo' if you have a greenhouse.
- For an engaging read on gardening and growing these slug-resistant veggies, turn to a home-and-garden magazine or the food-and-drink section of your local lifestyle publication.
- As a change of pace, experiment with cooking some of your homegrown, slug-free vegetables, like artichokes, beetroot, or celery, as part of your dinner recipes.
- To add a pop of color to your gardens, consider planting a variety of flowers that repel slugs, such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, or nasturtiums, alongside your slug-resistant vegetable plants.
- For those with an eye for design, arrange the different leaves, stems, and colors of your slug-free harvests artfully in a home-and-garden-inspired still life for a unique piece of decor.
- In between gardening tasks, consider picking up a hobby book on sustainable living, home design, or food and drink; these topics often intersect with the garden lifestyle you've chosen, making for enjoyable and enriching reading.
