Slug Rings - Flowers

Dahlias in pots

Dahlias are notoriusly tricky to grow due to their vunerability to slug attacks.
We lift the tubers yearly or they rot in our heavy clay soil. This means we can protect new growth by placing the spring pots onto a small copper ring in the coldframe/greenhouse.
When planting out into larger pots you can either raise the whole pot on 3 small Slug Rings or 1 large Slug Ring depending on pot size. Alternatively place a ring around the dahlia within the pot.

Dahlias in the ground

If you live in an area where you can leave them out, then you should leave a large slug ring around the plant year round and ensure it is clean and free of debris in early April before shoots appear. Leave plenty of clear space around the plant as any overhanging leaves can create a bridge inside the ring, about 40-50cm all round. It is important to make sure any supports are also within the ring or the slugs and snails will simply climb the stakes for access.

Hardy herbaceous perennials

Lupins, delphiniums and salvias are notoriously vulnerable to slug and snail attack. We protect these plants with a large Slug Ring for their entire lives. When the plant dies down we leave the ring in place marking the position of the plant so it doesn't get damaged during winter border maintenance. The new spring shoots will be protected from the moment they appear.

Hostas

Hostas are loved by slugs and snails and we grow them inside large rings (or two rings joined together for larger plants). However, once the leaves get going, some hostas are so low growing and pendulous that they grow over the ring and touch the ground on the outside of the ring. This will make a bridge for slugs and snails, so we trim the long lower leaves back. Like dahlias these can be grown in the ground or pots and we have success with both.