Have you tried using coffee grounds? I remember someone once recommending them. Do a search to find details.

thnx, i got a bag of Ortho needs 2 days w/out rain after it's down, we're supposed to have three more with, so now I have to wait, I'll try grinds too, Marigolds are supposed to keep the ground free of pests I thought snails too, but Marigolds are on the Ortho bag as being attacked, go figure