The worst rainy weather may be behind us, but that hasn’t stopped slugs and snails from taking over our gardens.
If you’re tired of pests chewing through your garden, Alan Titchmarsh has shared his slug-proof favorite plants.
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While you may not have as green fingers as the UK’s favorite gardener, these plants have been tried and tested for decades.
You also won’t have to worry about caring for delicate flowers.
Talking about the Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcastthe 74-year-old revealed that ferns are one of the most resilient plants when it comes to slugs and snails.
He excitedly told fans: “You think they’re boring, don’t you? Well, they’re not and they’re great for shady spots.”
Whether you choose a crested or ruffled fern, these plants are easy to grow, come in countless varieties, and can last for decades as pests tend to avoid them.
However, the TV personality recommends opting for Dryopteris, also known as Fern, for shady places that don’t receive as much humidity.
Even better, the Fabulous team found the bush in B&Q for just £7 right now.
For those who want some color in their garden, the Ground Force presenter says to add flowers like Geraniums.
Coming in vibrant shades of pinkish-purple, these flowers won’t end up looking like lace doilies since slugs and snails rarely attack them.
In fact, “bright but hardy” varieties like Patrica thrive in shady locations, grow quickly, and are perfect for pollinators like bees.
They will also bloom “throughout the summer,” according to the gardening expert.
Ideal for beds and borders, you can harvest these plants for about £7.99 online.
Alternatively, you can add Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle) for a bold splash of acid yellow in your garden.
During the podcast, Alan also explained why they are so effective against pests.
He told listeners: “It has leaves with jagged edges that hold water like mercury… which are covered with very fine fuzz… which stops slugs and snails from eating them.”
For those looking to add them to their garden, these little buds can be found in stores for just £3.99 and bloom from early June to mid-September.
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If you don’t already like this perennial flower, it can also help prevent weeds in your flower beds and borders.
This is because Alchemilla’s frothy flowers cover the ground, blocking light from reaching low-lying weeds, especially if you plant a large area of them.
Finally, you can add larger flowers, like Penstemons and Fuchsias, which tend to be bushier and grow to knee height.
Although they are great for adding some ‘summer color’, Penstemons can brave colder weather during the winter.
Whatever you decide to plant, the TV presenter advised fans to choose plants with hairy leaves or fuzzy vapors, as pests often avoid them.
It’s best to write this down before heading to the garden center.
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May gardening work
The Sun’s gardening editor Veronica Lorraine shared the tasks you need to get done in May.
GARDEN growth can go from zero to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last frosts in the UK usually occur at the beginning of the month, so suddenly there is so much more to do and grow.
Plant dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant your dahlia tubers. Keep in mind how big they can get—and space accordingly—anything up to two feet apart.
It’s a good idea to invest in your backing bets now rather than trying to work around them.
And be sure to include lots of well-rotted manure or decent compost to feed it, and then mulch it to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They usually start to bloom in July.
Final feeding for spring flowers
You can give any remaining tulips and daffodils a cheeky feed.
While most bulbs are no longer guaranteed to come back year after year, as long as you let them die naturally, there’s a good chance they’ve stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feeding is fine.
Tie climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should already be well underway – try using plastic string to tie them back to the support or clip them together to ensure they don’t sprout in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good nourishment.
Whether you use granulated or liquid, it can be a good boost to get you through the harshest summer months.
When mowing the grass, do not shorten the length of the cut too much and never shorten the height of the grass by more than a third.
Be creative
It’s also time to get creative when hanging baskets and pots.
Pelargoniums, which many people call geraniums, and begonias are a good, low-cost way to get beautiful flowers that return all summer long in your baskets.
And the pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
Improved light will help plants grow faster indoors, and tidiness is good for the soul.
You can simply use a homemade solution of white wine vinegar and water – or even plain if you’re tired – which gives a really nice shine.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
