How To Get Rid Of Snails In Your Garden Q&A

Can I use salt to kill snails in my garden?

Although salt can kill snails by dehydrating them, it is not recommended for garden use. Salt can damage the soil, harm plant roots, and affect beneficial soil organisms. It’s best to stick to safer alternatives like diatomaceous earth, beer traps, and crushed eggshells that target snails without harming your garden’s ecosystem.

Are coffee grounds safe to use for pest control?

Yes, coffee grounds are a popular natural method to deter slugs and snails. The texture and caffeine content are unpleasant to these pests. They’re generally safe for most plants and can even enrich the soil with nutrients. However, they may increase soil acidity, so use them in moderation around plants that prefer neutral or alkaline soil.

Do snails and slugs harm all types of plants?

Snails and slugs prefer soft, tender vegetation, especially young seedlings, lettuce, spinach, basil, and strawberries. However, if populations are high, they may begin feeding on a broader range of plants, including root vegetables and even woody stems. Slugs eat a variety of plant tissues and can devastate a garden if left unchecked.

How do copper barriers work against snails?

Copper reacts with the slime that snails and slugs produce, causing a mild electric shock that repels them. This won’t harm the pests, but they will avoid crossing copper surfaces. Copper tape can be wrapped around planters, garden beds, and containers to form a safe and effective barrier.

Can I keep slugs and snails out of a vegetable garden without chemicals?

Absolutely. Many gardeners successfully keep slugs and snails away using natural methods like handpicking, setting traps, spreading crushed eggshells or coffee grounds, and using copper tape. Additionally, improving garden drainage and watering in the morning will make your vegetable garden less attractive to these pests.

Q: Do I need a big pond for dragonflies?

No—small container ponds with a few aquatic plants can still attract dragonflies and support larvae development, saving space while achieving great results.

Q: Will these plants eliminate all mosquitoes?

While no single solution fully removes mosquitoes, combining dragonfly habitat with standing water management and these plants can significantly reduce mosquito populations.

Q: Are these plants all native?

Most—like swamp milkweed, arrowhead, and blue flag iris—are native and ecosystem-friendly. Always check local rules, especially before planting aggressive species like cattails.

Q: Can strawberries and raspberries be grown together?

A: Yes, strawberries and raspberries can be grown in the same home garden. Just make sure they have enough space, proper organic fertilizer, and are protected from pests and birds.

Q: How do I protect berry plants from pests and birds?

A: Use bird netting to shield your ripe berries from birds. For pests like aphids or spider mites, opt for organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Q: What’s the difference between summer-bearing and everbearing raspberries?

A: Summer-bearing varieties produce one large crop in early summer, while everbearing types yield two crops—one in summer and one in fall. Choose based on your fruit development goals and growing season.