Author: David Domoney

How do I stop slugs from eating my hosta plants?

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How do I stop slugs from eating hosta plants?

[fusion_dropcap]Q[/fusion_dropcap] Every year from when my hostas start showing around February time they always end up with masses of holes in them despite this. How can I stop slugs eating hosta plants?

Barbie

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[fusion_dropcap]A[/fusion_dropcap] There are a few ways to stop slugs eating your hostas. You can surround them with a ring of crushed eggshells, which are too sharp for the slugs to crawl over.

You can bury beer traps too. Fill some small containers with beer and bury them in the soil, so they are level with the surface. Slugs are attracted to the smell, and crawl in and drown.

Most gardeners swear by going out in the garden in the evening, just after it gets dark, with a flashlight. Pick off all the slugs you can find and dispose of them.

The best way to keep hostas safe is to employ more than one of these methods.

Unfortunately, the damp spring we had this year meant that slug populations have been really strong this year. Let’s hope for a cold winter that will kill them off!

Hope this information helps you, and good luck.

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October 13, 2014
2014 Cultivation School runner-up – Skipton Parish School

School volunteer Kath Pickard was talking to a dinner lady one day about the derelict area at the back of the school. It had been left as a tip – full of rubble left over from nearby building work. Together they decided to take on the challenge of transforming it into a school garden.

It took them endless hours of work. They roped in teachers, parents and other school staff to help out. Eventually, they had cleared the site and built a raised bed for each class in the school.

They held a Class Crop Challenge and each group chose to grow a different crop. Kath told us “The results were amazing! All the children got stuck in, learned about gardening and tasted new vegetables at the end!”

This year, they decided to take the challenge one step further. Each class had to design their own plot around a theme and grow produce for a big harvest festival.

The children had complete freedom with their plot. The crops were then judged and trophies awarded to the winners.

The school also took on the extra challenge of marking the Grand Départ of the Tour de France. The race actually came through Skipton, in North Yorkshire.

They decided to transform the garden at the front of the school into a ‘Sea of Yellow,’ using yellow plants to echo the infamous yellow jersey.

Kath says “It’s great to see them getting involved and interested in the great outdoors. It’s amazing what can be achieved through gardening.”

Skipton Parish School was awarded a runner-up Cultivation School prize from the judges. The prize is £500 of National Garden Gift Vouchers.

The judges created the runner-up prize especially for the school to mark their incredible achievements. They praised Kath’s ability to see the potential in the site, and her initiative in turning it into a space for the whole school to enjoy.

The pupils also submitted a diary to the competition, which charted the garden’s progress and all the new things they had learned.

Congratulations to everyone at Skipton Parish School!

See the 2014 Regional Winners and the Special Category Winners.
October 13, 2014
2014 Multiplication Street Winners – Hoad Terrace

Twelve neighbours on a terraced road near the Lake District were at a loss as to what to do with their front gardens. Each house had one of twelve long, thin strips of land outside.

And then they had an idea – why not join the twelve gardens together? So they did.

They now have one large park and communal area, and share the space among all the residents. They share plants and produce, tools and gardening tips.

Several of the gardens have been completely joined to make one huge lawn, ideal for hosting community meals and parties. There is also a huge trampoline and space to play badminton.

Resident Kay Hebbourn says “We grow fruit and veg, and I have chickens that the neighbours’ children ‘help’ me with!”

“It’s a very low-maintenance garden, and it’s low-cost and loads of fun.”

Hoad Terrace is the winner of the Multiplication Street award, winning £500 of National Garden Gift Vouchers.

Judges thought the street was very inspiring and unusual, and loved that the residents used their gardens for the benefit of the whole street. They praised not just the number of houses involved, but the level of commitment and community spirit that shone through.

Kay added “We always says that if we won the lottery, we wouldn’t move. There are some things money can’t buy, and community is one of them!”

Congratulations to everyone on Hoad Terrace!

See the 2014 Regional Winners and Special Category Winners.
October 13, 2014