Strawberries will be slug free if one surprising natural item is placed around plant
Strawberry plants are most at risk of being attacked by slugs in June when they are at their peak so it is important that gardeners know how to safely protect their harvest from pests.
Strawberries are close to being fully ripe and ready to harvest in June but gardeners have been issued a warning that their whole crop will spoil if they do not watch out for slugs. The month of June is when strawberry plants are at their most vulnerable as hungry slugs go crazy for the natural sugars in ripening berries and can chomp through an entire patch overnight.
This is the last thing any keen gardener wants to see after all their hard work but it is highly recommended not to spray harsh chemical repellents to eliminate the pests near any crops you want to eat. Instead, Sally Phillips, the creator of Chimney Sheep, has revealed a natural yet very powerful way to keep slugs away - using sheep wool.
Sally said: 'Wool is also a fantastic natural deterrent if slugs and snails are munching on your strawberry plant. Our felt shillies are perfect to deter the cheeky molluscs as they hate the feeling of the scratchy wool felt on their bodies."
It may sound strange but sheep wool contains lanolin, which is a waxy substance that quickly dries out slugs and damages them, making these critters wary of crawling over it, the Express reports.
Sheep wool also contains natural oils and salt that are built from sheep sweat, which also harms slugs.
In addition to this, the wool has a roughly prickly texture that slugs find extremely annoying to touch.
This is a simple and eco-friendly way to create a barrier between the strawberrys and the slugs but also helps plants to stay healthy in the summer heat.
Sheep wool is very absorbent and will allow water to slowly seep into the soil which will keep the strawberries hydrated for much longer.
This material also helps the soil keep a cooler temperatures so the strawberry plants are sheltered from stress in the hot climate, which can lead to a higher fruit harvest.
How to use sheep wool to keep slugs away from strawberries
To start, shred the wool into much smaller pieces and scatter it around the base of the strawberry plant.
Sheep wool can block water from getting to the roots due to its thick texture which can easily mat and clump together.
Therefore, it's important to ensure it is spread in a thin layer to stop it from smothering the soil.
Do not let sheep wool touch the stems or leaves.
Sheep wool can retain a lot of moisture, which can be a great benefit for plants out in summer. However, too much water can cause any touching foliage to rot.
Once you have added the sheep wool, give it a deep watering to help it mix into the soil and begin to break down.
The wool naturally forms a barrier to protect the strawberries from any slugs foraging in your garden.
You can also combine sheep wool with other natural deterrents such as crushed eggshells and coffee grounds to keep these slimy critters away from your fruit.
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