Alan Titchmarsh reveals the slug-proof plants you need & a ‘brilliant, hardy’ buy that ‘blooms right through summer’
THE worst of the wet weather might be behind us, but this hasn’t stopped slugs and snails from taking over our gardens.
If you are sick of pests munching through your garden, Alan Titchmarsh has shared his favourite slug-proof plants.
While you might not be as green-fingered as the UK’s favourite gardener, these plants have been tried and tested for decades.
You won’t even have to worry about caring for delicate blooms either.
Speaking on the Gardeners’ World Magazine podcast, the 74-year-old revealed that ferns are one of the hardiest plants when it comes to slugs and snails.
He excitedly told fans: “You think they are boring, aren’t they? Well, they are not and they are brilliant for shady spots.”
Whether you pick a crested or frilly fern, these plants are easy to grow, come in tons of varieties and can last for decades as pests tend to avoid them.
However, the TV personality recommends opting for Dryopteris, also known as a Wood Fern, for shady spots that don’t get as much moisture.
Even better, the Fabulous team has found the shrub in B&Q for just £7 right now.
For those who want a bit of colour in their garden, the Ground Force presenter says to add blooms like Geraniums.
Coming in vibrant pinky-purple hues, these blooms won’t end up looking like lace doilies as slugs and snails rarely attack them.
In fact, ‘brilliant but hardy’ varieties like Patrica thrive in shady spots, will quickly grow and are perfect for pollinators like bees.
They will also bloom ‘right the way through the summer‘, according to the gardening expert.
Ideal for flowerbeds and borders, you can pick up these plants for around £7.99 online.
Alternatively, you could add Alchemilla (Lady’s Mantle) for a bold pop of acid yellow in your garden.
During the podcast, Alan even explained why they are so effective against pests.
He told listeners: “It has these scalloped-edged leaves which hold on to water like quicksilver…which are coated in very fine down…which puts slugs and snails off eating them.”
For anyone wanting to add these to their garden, these tiny buds can be found in stores for as little as £3.99 and they flower from early June to mid-September.
If you weren’t already sold on this perennial flower, it can also help to prevent weeds in your flowerbeds and borders.
This is because Alchemilla’s frothy flowers cover the ground which stops light from getting to low-lying weeds, especially if you plant a large patch of them.
Finally, you can add bigger blooms like Penstemons and Fuchsias which tend to be bushier and grow to around knee height.
Though these are great for adding some ‘summer colour’, Penstemons can struggle with colder weather over the winter.
Whatever you do decide to plant, the TV presenter advised fans to choose plants with hairy leaves or downy steams as pests will often avoid these.
Best make a note of these before heading down to the garden centre.
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.