Slugs were taking over my garden & eating my plants – my magic ‘garlic squash’ got rid of them instantly, they hated it
COMEDIAN Tom Allen has revealed his simple trick for banishing slugs from the garden.
The Great British Bake Off star said that his 30p hack is perfect for anyone worried about slugs gnawing their way through their vegetable patch.
Taking to Instagram, Tom revealed that his method involves making a “garlic squash”.
He told his followers: “Basically you make your very own orange squash, but with garlic”.
The comedian explained that all you need to do is boil a whole head of garlic for a couple of hours in a litre of water.
Then, when it has reduced down, squash the garlic bulbs down, and put the mixture through a sieve.
“You’ll then have this lovely garlic squash, which you can dilute in about half a litre of water”, he said.
Tom said he has used the mixture on all of his crops.
“I’ve found it very successful”, he revealed.
“Mmm, it smells nice too”, he joked.
Garlic contains Allicin, which is the compound that gives garlic its smell and will deter slugs from going anywhere near it.
If slugs come into contact with the mixture, this will also cause them to die after a few hours.
Garlic is super cheap, and can be purchased form Aldi for as little as 30p per bulb, far cheaper than expensive slug killer.
Tom’s video has likely left many people feeling impressed, and people raced to the comments section to share their thoughts on his tips and provide some hacks of their own.
One person said: “I’ve been obsessed with ridding my garden of slugs.
“Beer/marmite traps, garlic spray and going and picking them off about 10.30pm has saved a lot of my plants!”
A second person said: “Cinnamon is a game changer! Slugs hate it.”
June gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you should take this month.
Stake out leggy perennials
With all the dramatic weather we’ve been having, it’s definitely time to stake out your leggy perennials (the ones that come back every year). Heavy rain and growth spurts, can make them collapse and flop.
Picking out the slugs and snails
Hopefully as we move into summer they will do less damage as the plants get bigger. The best way is still to go out at night with a head torch to find them.
Pick elderflower heads
You can use them to make your own cordial, or add to cakes, champagne or even fry them in batter.
Get on top of weeds
It’s around now that weeds really ramp up in the garden, so keep on top of them with hoe-ing – or just the traditional ‘on your knees with a hand fork’. Try and avoid chemicals – remember weeds are just plants in the wrong place.
Up the mowing
You’ll need to mow your lawn weekly now – if you’ve got time, weed it beforehand as once you mow you chop off the leaves and its harder to see them.
Check on your tomatoes
Your tomato plants will need attention – water, feed and regularly and pinch out the sideshoots.
Chelsea Chop
There’s still time for the Chelsea Chop – plants like Rudbeckia’s, Asters, Penstemons, Sedums and other perennials can be cut back by a third to help them get a bit more bushy, and prolong the flowering period.
Sort out your tulips
If you can be bothered and have space – lift and story your tulip bulbs to ensure colour next Spring.
Deadheading your roses
Take them down to the first set of healthy leaves – which will ensure more flowers for longer.
Enjoy your space
Take some time to sit and enjoy your garden or outside space – it’s great for your mental health. Even just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.
A third said: “Or you could buy a duck or two, and reap the awards if they any eggs”.
A fourth added: “I use a saucer of milk
“When they come out for a drink simply pick them up and move them next door.”
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