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Gardening Naturally Slug Nematodes
Gardening Naturally slug nematodes are a natural organic pest control designed to reduce slug damage in planted beds, borders and vegetable plots. The nematodes are microscopic transparent worms that live in the soil and feed and multiply inside the slugs they come into contact with. These nematodes are also known as Phasmarhabditis californica. Unlike synthetic pest control options, these highly specific natural predators will hunt day and night to protect your vegetables from unwanted intruders while leaving other beneficial insects alone.
How does it work?
Nematodes naturally occur within soil in the UK but in low numbers. By adding more of these slug-specific nematodes, you can quickly reduce slug populations. When they come into contact with a slug, they enter through natural openings and feed and multiply. Within days, the slug will stop eating, and within a week, it will die. The nematodes will multiply and spread out in the soil, seeking more slugs to continue to propagate. Most of this occurs below the surface.
How do I use them?
Gardening Naturally nematodes are supplied as a dry powder which can be mixed with water in a watering can and then applied to the area you want to protect. We advise applying them after the last frost but early in the growing season to prevent slugs from pressuring young plants. Once applied, try to make sure that the soil doesn't completely dry out to ensure that the nematode population remains healthy and strong.
Is it safe?
Nematodes are completely natural and prevalent in most gardens throughout the UK. Gardening Naturally predatory nematodes are simply a more precise and effective version, which will only target the local slug population. They are designed for use where pets and other wildlife are present,
When is the best time to use Nematodes?
The best time to use these nematodes would be when the soil temperature is reliably above 5°C, usually by the end of February or March. They can be used all through the warm part of the year up until around October. Of course, if you wanted to use them in a covered environment where the temperature will not drop below 5°C, you could use them year-round.
Application Advice:
Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 4L of water to create a solution.
Stir vigorously and then take 500ml of the solution and add it to a 5L watering can fitted with a coarse rose and fill with water.
Apply this to a 5m2 area
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the whole area has been treated
In total, you should go through 8 watering cans (40L of water) and cover a 40m2 area. For the larger 100m2 pack, simply start with 10L of water for the initial solution and apply with 20 watering cans to a 100m2 area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are slug nematodes safe for pets, children, and wildlife?
Yes. When used as directed, slug nematodes are safe around children, pets and other garden wildlife. They target specific slug species and do not affect mammals, birds, insects, or plants.
How long do slug nematodes take to work?
Slugs generally stop feeding within a few hours to a couple of days. Visible reduction in plant damage is usually noticeable within one to two weeks, with slugs dying off within one to three weeks of infection.
Can I use slug nematodes in pots and containers?
Yes. Apply the nematode solution to moist compost in pots and containers as you would to open soil. Keep the compost moist for two weeks after treatment.
Will slug nematodes kill snails too?
Not reliably. Slug nematodes mainly target soil-dwelling slug species rather than larger snails feeding above ground. If snails are the main problem, a dedicated snail nematode product is a better fit.
When do you apply slug nematodes?
Spring (Mid-March onwards): Apply as soon as soil temperatures reach 5°C (40°F) and new plant growth begins, targeting young slugs before they start breeding.
Autumn (Early October): Apply before the first hard frosts and cold weather drop the soil temperature below 5°C, reducing the number of overwintering slugs.
During the Growing Season: Reapply every 6 weeks for continuous protection, especially for vulnerable plants like hostas, newly sown seeds, or vegetable beds right after planting.
