MANY of us look forward to a summer where we can enjoy our gardens in the sun, but with the British summer often comes the problem of various pests and creatures.
But luckily, there’s a simple trick you can rely on to keep pests at bay—and it won’t cost you much, either.
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According to paving experts, Armstrong Cheshire Courtyardsthere is a secret trick and some easy to care for plants which will ward off curious creatures, beautifying your outdoor space and provide kitchen garnishes
Simon Wardle, owner and patio specialist at Armstrong Cheshire Courtyardsreveals the five plants Brits should consider using beer and other easy-care plants in their garden or patio to enjoy a pest-free summer
Beer
This may shock some people, but planting a container like an old ice cream tub containing 2 to 3 inches of beer, like San Miguel, in your soil can be the perfect solution for slugs and snails – keeping them away from your home and home. , as well as plants.
Simon advises “Make sure to keep the beer full as this trick works best with fresh beer.
“This also works for your patio and deck, but if you’re not burying it in the ground, try a low bowl, like a walled dish. It works for all beers, so use what you already have in the fridge” .
Brewer’s yeast attracts snails and slugs which can be left to drown or removed to a safe local green space.
“Slugs and snails are particularly active in hot, humid environments. climate like right now.”
You can pick up 12 bottles of San Miguel at Tesco for just £10 with a clubcard, meaning this trick costs just 83p – and you can also relax and enjoy a drink when the job is done.
The science behind this method
So how does this work?
This tried and tested method of killing slugs with a beer glass or tray has proven to be very effective.
Slugs love the smell of beer, so they get to the liquid, fall into it, and die what we hope is a pleasant death (if possible).
Slugs are attracted to the fermented smell of beer and prefer it to the fresh smell of your growing plants.
It’s the ethanol in the beer that kills them.
Morris Hankinson, from Hopes Grove Nurseriestold The Sun: “Spare beer placed in a small container and placed in the soil between your plants will attract slugs to a fermented death.
“Fresh coffee grounds do the opposite: they deter slugs when spread across plants and also slow rot, which helps improve the soil.”
Mint and peppermint
“Many people are looking for a summer mojito or in cookingbut spearmint and peppermint plants also have pest-fighting properties.
“Whether you have the ability to plant in the ground or just have pots around your patio, the strong scent will ward off mice and mosquitoes.”
Simon of ArmstrongCheshire Patio’s explains “Because they are so easy to care for, spearmint and peppermint are perfect plants for beginners.
“It is essentially a weed, so it is recommended, whether you have flowerbeds or a patio, to plant it in pots as it will grow very quickly”
Lavender
Another strong-smelling plant, vibrant purple not only fills your outdoor space with color and calming aroma, but it can also keep pests to a minimum.
“It’s perfect for keeping mosquitoes, moths and flies out of your space.
“Like mint, it can be planted or purchased in a patio-friendly pot straight from garden centers.”
Wise
Perfect for aspiring chefs, sage is another plant that can ward off many pests, including rats and mosquitoes – who again hate the strong, pungent smell.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
