Latest news with #TomClamp
The Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Sun
A 5p hack has stopped slugs from ravaging my gorgeous hosta – it's grown huge & they've not eaten a leaf
A GARDENING fans has revealed the 5p hack she used to prevent slugs from ravaging her prized plants. With summer now almost upon us, and temperatures remaining high, gardeners may have noticed the pesky critters nibbling on plants and damaging greenery. 3 3 3 The unwelcome visitors love nibbling on tasty leaves and seedlings, and if you're not careful, could leave you with nothing come harvest season. 'The biggest concern is the emergence of young slugs,' Tom Clamp, head of technical at Doff Portland – a leading manufacturer of premium garden care products said. 'They're particularly hungry and are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they can quickly decimate tender crops like vegetable seedlings, strawberries and bedding plants while potatoes are also vulnerable.' The critters often feed at night, and can consume a whopping 40 times their body weight, often leaving a nasty surprise for gardeners in the morning. However, one gardening fan has shared a simple solution to keep them away from your plants. Posting to the Gardening tips and tricks Facebook, a public group with 21 thousand members, the plant lover beamed: "I've been using the garlic spray this year and so far so good." Attached to the post was a picture of her beloved hostas, looking completely intact and slug free. How to Make Garlic Spray To make your own homemade garlic spray, simply crush some garlic into a paste, and place it into a spray bottle with water. Then, spray it on to your precious plants, and wait for it to work its magic. The pungent odour released by garlic, keeps slugs away and also works for other pests like flies too. Gardeners stunned by £1.50 household item that banishes slugs overnight Garlic is super cheap, and you can pick a bulb up for around 50p, making each clove worth as little as 5p. Other gardening fans flooded the comments section of the post, to share their success with the hack. One person said: "It sure works mine were huge when I last did it." A second person said: "I distract slugs from my plants with cucumber slices dotted around and then go out collect them up and dispose them." Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. A third person said: "I need too try this my plants are eaten up." Another cheap hack you can use to keep slugs out of your garden is to plant daffodil bulbs, as the invertebrates are deterred by the flowers' alkaloid content. Plus, the stunning yellow petals brighten up your garden, with bulbs available to purchase for as little as £1. Gardeners have also been encouraged to bury empty glass bottles in their gardens, as this produces a humming sound that keeps slugs at bay. He told The Sun: 'People may be surprised to hear it, but beer is a really simple solution to a slug problem. It's also probably something you already have at home.'
The Sun
11-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
The £2.80 trick you must try to keep slugs off your grass this spring – it will make your garden look stunning too
A GARDENING expert has revealed a £2.80 hack that will make sure your garden is slug-free this summer - and looks stunning too. With temperatures soaring again this weekend and another bank holiday on the horizon, many of us are likely planning on heading out into the garden to get some jobs done. 2 2 However, warm days and humid nights are the perfect conditions for slugs to emerge and wreak havoc on your prize vegetables. The unwelcome visitors love nibbling on tasty leaves and seedlings, and if you're not careful, could leave you with nothing come harvest season. 'The biggest concern is the emergence of young slugs,' Tom Clamp, head of technical at Doff Portland – a leading manufacturer of premium garden care products said. 'They're particularly hungry and are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they can quickly decimate tender crops like vegetable seedlings, strawberries and bedding plants while potatoes are also vulnerable.' The critters often feed at night, and can consume a whopping 40 times their body weight, often leaving a nasty surprise for gardeners in the morning. With this in mind, an expert has shared a £2.80 hack to keep then at bay. According to experts at the Royal Horticultural Society, floxgloves are a natural pest deterrent. The stunning flowers are said the be easy to grow, so are the perfect plant for those who want to keep slugs at bay, but may not be experienced gardeners. The purple flowers contain toxic compounds such as digitalis glycosides, which can be very harmful for slugs. Therefore, it is a good idea to plant foxgloves close to plants that slugs find tasty, such as leafy greens. Foxgloves can be picked up from B&Q for just £2.80, making the gorgeous blooms very penny pincher friendly. And these aren't the only plants that can keep invertebrates at bay. Daffodils are one of the key symbols of spring, and many avid gardeners love planting them in pots and flower beds to brighten up their gardens. However, not only are they beautiful, their alkaloid content also deters certain pests like slugs. Why having slugs in your garden is a good thing Yes, they chomp your precious plants, but having slugs in your garden should be celebrated. Rebecca Miller, Associate Editor for Fabulous, and novice gardener, believes we should work in harmony with slugs and not try to get rid of them altogether. "We've been conditioned as a society to believe we must have gardens with straight edges, short lawns with pretty stripes and perfect borders with flowers constantly blooming. But unruly hedgerows, abundance of tall wildflowers buzzing with insects, and bugs and slugs galore in flowerbeds is totally natural - and necessary. I understand that your plants might be very precious to you, but we need slugs and snails. They provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, slow worms, earthworms, insects - and they are part of the natural balance. By removing them, we upset the ecosystem and can do a lot of harm - thrushes in particular thrive on them! It is said British Gardeners use some 650 billion slug pellets per year! Please find a natural alternative – the poison from slug pellets enters the food chain and can kill hedgehogs, who consider slugs and snails as a tasty treat. If you're truly desperate, consider using Diatomaceous Earth - it is a naturally occurring compound approved for organic use, that can be used for pest control. And while you're at it, challenge yourself to grow "sacrificial plants". Sacrificial planting, commonly known as trap cropping, is the deliberate act of growing plants to attract pests. Pick a slugs favourite vegetable or ornamental plant for them to nibble on, and they will leave your more precious plants alone." Another simple method you can use to banish slugs from your garden, is to bury a small container of beer in the garden. 'Bury a small container at soil level, half-filled with beer, to attract and trap slugs overnight,' Tom said. The slugs will be attracted to the smell of the beer and will climb inside the container, before drowning in the liquid. Make sure to check the container every night, and remove any dead slugs. Waitrose are currently selling a pack of 12 beers for £13.50, meaning that each drink costs just £1.12 each, so this hack will be sure not to break the bank.
Scottish Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Gardening expert reveals how to banish slugs & snails from your garden – using £1 hack
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A GARDEN expert has revealed a £1 hack to banish slugs and snails from your garden. With temperatures soaring to unseasonable highs this week and a bank holiday on the horizon, many of us are likely planning on heading out into the garden to get some jobs done. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Slugs can wreak havoc on your garden Credit: Getty 2 Daffodils can help deter slugs from your garden Credit: Rex However, warm days and humid nights are the perfect conditions for slugs to emerge and wreak havoc on your prize vegetables. The unwelcome visitors love nibbling on tasty leaves and seedlings, and if you're not careful, could leave you with nothing come harvest season. 'The biggest concern is the emergence of young slugs,' Tom Clamp, head of technical at Doff Portland – a leading manufacturer of premium garden care products said. 'They're particularly hungry and are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they can quickly decimate tender crops like vegetable seedlings, strawberries and bedding plants while potatoes are also vulnerable.' The critters often feed at night, and can consume a whopping 40 times their body weight, often leaving a nasty surprise for gardeners in the this in mind, the garden care expert has shared some simple tricks to keep pesky slugs at bay. With this in mind, Doug O'Connor, a garden expert, from has revealed a common garden plant which will deter the critters from your garden. Daffodils Daffodils are one of the key symbols of spring, and many avid gardeners love planting them in pots and flower beds to brighten up their gardens. However, not only are they beautiful, their alkaloid content also deters certain pests like slugs. What's more, they are poisonous to rats, meaning that the pesky creatures will stay well away. 'They're low-effort and naturalise easily, meaning they'll come back year after year with minimal care,' Doug explained. Top Pest Control Tips for Your Yard 'Plus, they help protect more vulnerable plants nearby.' Daffodils are super cheap, and you can pick them up from your local garden centre for as little as £1 per bulb. Marigolds Another stunning plant, the marigold has a distinctive scent which repels pests such as aphid and whiteflies. The expert said: 'Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum — a natural insecticide. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. 'They're especially effective when planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes or courgettes.' Marigolds can also be picked up from your local supermarket for a few pounds. Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums are one of the most effective insect-repelling plants due to their high pyrethrin content. Pyrethrin is a a naturally occurring mixture of chemicals found in that kills ticks and insects such as fleas and mosquitos by attacking their nervous systems. Doug said: 'Chrysanthemums repel everything from ants and lice to ticks and cockroaches. 'Plus, they add bold colour to autumn gardens when most plants begin to fade.' The expert said that it is best to plant these flowers near windows and doorways, to prevent bugs from venturing indoors.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- The Sun
Gardening expert reveals how to banish slugs & snails from your garden – using £1 hack
A GARDEN expert has revealed a £1 hack to banish slugs and snails from your garden. With temperatures soaring to unseasonable highs this week and a bank holiday on the horizon, many of us are likely planning on heading out into the garden to get some jobs done. 2 2 However, warm days and humid nights are the perfect conditions for slugs to emerge and wreak havoc on your prize vegetables. The unwelcome visitors love nibbling on tasty leaves and seedlings, and if you're not careful, could leave you with nothing come harvest season. 'The biggest concern is the emergence of young slugs,' Tom Clamp, head of technical at Doff Portland – a leading manufacturer of premium garden care products said. 'They're particularly hungry and are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they can quickly decimate tender crops like vegetable seedlings, strawberries and bedding plants while potatoes are also vulnerable.' The critters often feed at night, and can consume a whopping 40 times their body weight, often leaving a nasty surprise for gardeners in the this in mind, the garden care expert has shared some simple tricks to keep pesky slugs at bay. With this in mind, Doug O'Connor, a garden expert, from has revealed a common garden plant which will deter the critters from your garden. Daffodils Daffodils are one of the key symbols of spring, and many avid gardeners love planting them in pots and flower beds to brighten up their gardens. However, not only are they beautiful, their alkaloid content also deters certain pests like slugs. What's more, they are poisonous to rats, meaning that the pesky creatures will stay well away. 'They're low-effort and naturalise easily, meaning they'll come back year after year with minimal care,' Doug explained. 'Plus, they help protect more vulnerable plants nearby.' Daffodils are super cheap, and you can pick them up from your local garden centre for as little as £1 per bulb. Marigolds Another stunning plant, the marigold has a distinctive scent which repels pests such as aphid and whiteflies. The expert said: 'Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum — a natural insecticide. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. 'They're especially effective when planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes or courgettes.' Marigolds can also be picked up from your local supermarket for a few pounds. Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums are one of the most effective insect-repelling plants due to their high pyrethrin content. Pyrethrin is a a naturally occurring mixture of chemicals found in that kills ticks and insects such as fleas and mosquitos by attacking their nervous systems. Doug said: 'Chrysanthemums repel everything from ants and lice to ticks and cockroaches. 'Plus, they add bold colour to autumn gardens when most plants begin to fade.' The expert said that it is best to plant these flowers near windows and doorways, to prevent bugs from venturing indoors.
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Gardening expert reveals how to banish slugs & snails from your garden – using £1 hack
A GARDEN expert has revealed a £1 hack to banish slugs and snails from your garden. With 2 Slugs can wreak havoc on your garden Credit: Getty 2 Daffodils can help deter slugs from your garden Credit: Rex However, warm days and humid nights are the perfect conditions for slugs to emerge and wreak havoc on your The unwelcome visitors love 'The biggest concern is the emergence of young slugs,' Tom Clamp, head of technical at 'They're particularly hungry and are indiscriminate feeders, meaning they can quickly decimate tender crops like vegetable seedlings, strawberries and bedding plants while potatoes are also vulnerable.' Read more garden stories The critters often feed at night, and can consume a whopping 40 times their body weight, often leaving a nasty surprise for gardeners in the this in mind, the garden care expert has shared some simple tricks to keep pesky slugs at bay. With this in mind, Doug O'Connor, a garden expert, from has revealed a common garden plant which will deter the critters from your garden. Daffodils Daffodils are one of the key symbols of spring, and many avid gardeners love planting them in pots and flower beds to brighten up their gardens. However, not only are they beautiful, their alkaloid content also deters certain pests like slugs. Most read in Fabulous What's more, they are poisonous to rats, meaning that the pesky creatures will stay well away. 'They're low-effort and naturalise easily, meaning they'll come back year after year with minimal care,' Doug explained. Top Pest Control Tips for Your Yard 'Plus, they help protect more vulnerable plants nearby.' Daffodils are super cheap, and you can pick them up from your local garden centre for as little as £1 per bulb. Marigolds Another stunning plant, the marigold has a distinctive scent which repels pests such as aphid and whiteflies. The expert said: 'Marigolds contain a compound called pyrethrum — a natural insecticide. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. 'They're especially effective when planted alongside vegetables like tomatoes or courgettes.' Marigolds can also be picked up from your local supermarket for a few pounds. Chrysanthemums Chrysanthemums are one of the most effective insect-repelling plants due to their high pyrethrin content. Pyrethrin is a a naturally occurring mixture of chemicals found in that kills ticks and insects such as fleas and mosquitos by attacking their nervous systems. Doug said: 'Chrysanthemums repel everything from ants and lice to ticks and cockroaches. 'Plus, they add bold colour to autumn gardens when most plants begin to fade.' The expert said that it is best to plant these flowers near windows and doorways, to prevent bugs from venturing indoors.
