So it’s obviously too early to be gardening, with the sub-zero temperatures and all, but for those of you daydreaming about your fabulously lush spring gardens we’ve got some to tips and tricks to ensure nasty, slimy slugs and snails aren’t wreaking havoc on your bounty.

Slugs and snails tend to feed on the beautiful, soft leaves of most garden plants and the best way to counteract their destruction is to prevent it from the beginning, according to the Associated Press.

Removing any debris from your garden – straw, boards and leaves – will go a long way in deterring the small terrors. Debris provides the perfect hiding spot for slugs and snails, who generally stay covered in the daytime and come out to play at night.

Making your yard less snail and slug friendly is a great alternative to using chemicals. Here’s how to make sure your garden doesn’t have a vacancy sign up for the critters:

• water plants in the morning;
• distance plants that need more water from those that are drought-tolerant;
• weed to eliminate moist places for slugs to find cover;
• hand pluck the snails and slugs about two hours after sunset;
• use copper barriers to separate slugs and snails from plant beds. The metal is toxic to the slimy creatures.

The most effective means of managing snail populations once they’ve entered your garden is upkeep and trapping.

As for chemical and solutions, you might be thinking of using salt or beer, but officials with the Oregon State University Extension Service say the salt can ruin your soil overtime. Your best bet is to use iron phosphate products, which are less toxic.

Prevent a garden slugfest with baits, upkeep [Philly.com]

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