Common gardening job that experts warn can become slug 'magnet'

Garden experts have given a warning about a common gardening mistake that can attract slugs to plants.

Many garden lovers may be well-aware of the struggle of dealing with these annoying pests, but a minor change in routine could help keep them at bay. Gardening gurus from Quintain Living suggest that tweaking your watering habits could substantially help keep these creatures away from your blooming beauties.

Going against popular opinion, doing the watering rounds at dusk, just as the dark begins to creep in, isn't encouraged. Although it seems like a practical time to attend to your plants, this habit may unintentionally act as an invite for slugs, who relish damp conditions, reports the Express.

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Issuing a note of caution, they stated: "Doing so will serve as a magnet for slugs, who will delight in chewing their way through your previous plants and seedlings." Slugs are most active in the evenings and are lured by moisture, increasing their chances of gorging on your plants and saplings.

To ward off these pests and shield your blooms, it's advised to water them early in the morning and avoid waiting until nightfall. By doing this, you'll reduce the amount of moisture that attracts slugs, lessening potential harm to your flora.

Alongside altering watering schedules, its crucial to care for the soil to boost plant health and resistance against critters. Before planting, it's recommended to make sure the soil is weed-free and well prepped.

Turning over and breaking up the soil not only aids in its aeration but also disturbs potential slug habitats, making the environment less welcoming for these pests.

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