Gardening expert shares methods to deter slugs from vegetable beds

Gardening expert Mattias Nemeth, a tomato and pepper grower, suggests using sacrificial plants to protect vegetable beds from slugs. By planting species that slugs find highly attractive—such as spinach, lettuce, carrots, basil, or cucumbers—away from the main crops, gardeners can lure the pests toward the sacrificial area.

For those with limited space, using edible barriers like cabbage or carrot peels can also be effective. To manage existing populations, Nemeth recommends collecting slugs, noting that placing a wooden board in the garden can serve as a trap where they gather underneath.