Monty Don shares the secret to preventing slugs from destroying your plants – and it’s simpler than you might think
We all need to know how to stop slugs destroying our plants, and with Monty Don’s expert tips we can be sure to do it in an environmentally-friendly way


Slugs are prolific garden dwellers, and have the potential to wreak havoc on our lovingly nurtured plants and vegetables. They live in the soil, thrive in dark, wet environments, and enjoy feasting on tender plants such as lettuces, brassicas, and hostas.
Trying to find effective slug control methods can be frustrating, with lots of natural methods such as leaving crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around your plants proving less than effective in areas where slugs are present in abundance.
Despite the frustration at finding your veggies destroyed by these pests, and the temptation to get rid of slugs, they do serve an important role within the ecosystem of your yard, providing food for a wide variety of garden birds.
Monty Don, star of Gardeners World, says we need to shift our mindset from trying to eradicate slugs, to working out better ways to protect our gardens. Speaking on the podcast Dish, he explains we need to come at it from a different angle, and the key to this is understanding how slugs behave.
‘Instead of trying to kill slugs, think how can I stop slugs destroying my garden,’ he says.
Alternatives to chemical slug deterrents
‘I absolutely don't use a slug deterrent and I would strongly say nobody should,’ says Monty. ‘They're a poison, and what you have to realize with any pesticide is there is a chain effect.’
He explains that slug pellets or other pesticides are not just killing slugs. They will go on to harm and possibly also kill the things that eat the slugs, such as songbirds, which rely on slugs as a food source.
How to protect salad crops from slugs naturally
‘If you're growing lettuce, for example, I always raise them in a slug free environment,’ Monty explains. ‘This might be in a greenhouse or in a cold frame, and we take real care to make sure there are no slugs around.
‘Then when we plant them out into the garden, they're strong, healthy little plants that will grow away happily. Slugs and snails will always go for the weakest, because they have evolved to eat decaying tissue.’
He goes on to explain that soft, young seedlings taste to slugs like decaying tissue, while a plant that is growing strongly, doesn't. So the stronger and healthier the plant, the less it will get eaten.
‘So, put your energy into that, not into killing them,’ he says.
Later on the podcast, Monty also offers tips on seasonal tulip planting and shares his thoughts on the epic rise in houseplant gardening, both of which are topics that feature in his latest book, The Gardening Book, which is available to pre-order via Amazon.
FAQs
Where are the best slug-free places to raise seedlings?
A greenhouse or a cold frame are ideal spots for making sure you raise healthy plant seedless and avoid the risk of them being eaten by slugs. Even a windowsill indoors would be a safe place if you do not have enough outdoor space for a greenhouse.
Do any garden animals eat slugs?
Yes, in fact many garden birds rely on slugs as a food source. In order to try and control slugs in your yard, you could introduce a bird feeder or bird bath with the hope of encouraging more birds into your outside space, thereby naturally reducing slug numbers.
Another natural way of controlling these common garden pests is by planting slug repellent plants, which include rosemary, ferns and lavender.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her writing career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then worked as a floral designer and stylist for six years, before joining Homes & Gardens. An expert in cut flowers, she is particularly interested in sustainable gardening methods and growing flowers and herbs for wellbeing. In summer 2024, she was invited to Singapore to learn about the nation state's ambitious plan to create a city in nature, discovering a world of tropical planting and visionary urban horticulture.
-
You won't believe the secret ingredient in this summery tomato salad – it adds a surprising twist
Trawl your local farmers' markets for tomatoes in a variety of colors and sizes for this flavor-packed salad, which is sweet, smoky and fragrant
-
John Legend has used this innovative and affordable deep fryer for over 18 years – it's on sale for under $120
When it comes to long-lasting appliances, nothing beats the singer's deep fryer – he's used it to cook everything from turkey to fries since 2007
-
Chelsea Flower Show's South African succulent garden is a masterclass in sculptural planting – the designers reveal how you can easily grow these desert plants at home
Native to an arid, hot climate, some of these unique plants can surprisingly be grown throughout the US, too
-
How to design a minimalist garden – 7 beautiful ideas to transform your backyard into a calming retreat
Garden designers share their top tips for a dreamy, stripped back outdoor space
-
5 houseplants you should never place in your bedroom, according to Feng Shui and interior design experts – plus which plants to choose instead
These plants are thought to bring feelings of disruption to the most relaxing space in your home
-
How to master the art of growing dwarf jade bonsai trees – the low-maintenance houseplant believed to bring good luck
Growing dwarf jade plants will elevate your indoor jungle
-
3 air plant mistakes a plant expert says are likely killing yours – plus tips on how to avoid them
You may be surprised by how easy it is to grow these unique houseplants
-
New NASA technology is making it possible to grow plants using fog – it could bring faster harvests with less waste
This indoor garden set-up uses smart tech and fine mist to provide plants with water and nutrients
-
How to grow Stella d'Oro daylily – for easygoing, sunny blooms in borders and pots
Plant-care professionals share top tips for these pretty perennials, including advice on watering, pruning, and more
-
Are snake plants cold-tolerant? Houseplant expert reveals the ideal temperature for growing these desert plants at home
This explains why snake plants are versatile to work with indoors and out