pecan shell mulch

bkay2000

16 years ago

I've heard that slugs and snails don't like pecan shell mulch. I did a web search and it's available locally. I've also heard that egg shells are a deterrent (sp?). I tried egg shells once, but that was before I figured out to put my pots on pot feet. The egg shells were pretty ugly. (My neighbor suggests I spray paint them black.)

Have you tried either?

I'm working up my courage to try hostas in the ground again. According to a couple of articles in the paper recently, people are growing hostas-in ground and getting some good results.

(They're so easy in pots, though!)

AND, those folks are the kind of gardeners, who get articles written about them in the paper.

(This will require a lot of thought.)

bkay

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Comment (1)

i-like-to-grow
16 years ago
I would say anything sharp or porous will deter slugs.. ..everything works to a certain extent... multiple tactics work best... I've never heard of pecan shell mulch.. but then again I'm a little green... I know pine straw/needle mulch, lava rock, egg shells, copper, coffee grounds, diatomaceous earth(food grade), spot spraying with a solution of 90 percent water 10 percent ammonia, fermenting traps, beer traps, and both types of commercial slug baits all work to a certain extent. If you have a major infestation... and you are entirely concerned, OCD, the best thing for slug removal IMHO is removing all mulch, leaf litter, rocks and anything solid they could move over or hide under... basically down to bare soil.. and keep the soil cultivated... this gives them nothing to hide under during the day so the slugs have another area to hide in... and the cultivation and removal of mulch and litter will detroy eggs....though one time can't guarantee all eggs and slugs are dealt with...
Water only in the mornings and only often enough to keep the top foot of soil moist....
We all unfortunately have to deal with these little devils.... Its the number one enemy lol... buy from reputable sources and you can avoid foliar nematodes and HVX... Slugs are a different story....
If you like pots.. keep them in pots...I tried a few in pots this year and I didn't care nothing for it... get them established in the ground and you can grow them in more sunlight and water them less... therefore they grow bigger and stronger, faster....plus I'm not a huge fan of potting media...I feel like I should repot potted perennials every year.. which is a hassle...not to mention having to water every other day....I would recommend to anyone to put their hostas in the ground...I know you are from TX and you might be restricted to a bit deeper shade then some of us from Zone 6 or up... and the fact yours are in pots lets you move them in and out of more sun for them to find their happy place...
I'd be curious to hear someone from TX with experience with Texan Slugs chime in...
Happy Slug Huntin
John
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