Seedlings and young plants for pests and slugs

Seedlings carry very little spare growth, so one night of slug grazing can kill them outright. Checking early catches trouble while numbers are low and hand control still works.

When

Spring into early summer, especially after rain and on mild damp nights; check most days while plants are still small.

How

1) Look under leaves and along stems for aphids, whitefly and small caterpillars. 2) Check the soil surface and pot rims for slugs and snails after dusk or first thing in the morning. 3) Look for slime trails, ragged holes and seedlings grazed down to the stem. 4) Lift pots, trays and boards to find slugs sheltering underneath. 5) Remove pests by hand and clear away their hiding places.

Notes

Damp mild nights bring the most slug activity, so a torch check after dark finds them feeding. Encourage predators such as frogs, ground beetles and birds. If using nematodes (Phasmarhabditis), apply to warm, moist soil.