Rick, have you ever tried pine needle mulch? I used it for the first time last year, and it seemed to me that it helped to prevent slug damage. Of course, we also had a drought last year, and that's the ultimate slug buster.

Karen

>> Of course, we also had a drought last year, and that's the ultimate slug buster.

I totally agree with that! The first two years I gardened were some of the worst "slug years" WA has had. You couldn't stand in line at a nursery without hearing horror stories.

>> have you ever tried pine needle mulch?

I would if I had many! Though we do have pine trees, they don't seem to shed much. As with leaves, if I find any laying around unclaimed, I would fill my trunk. But I live in a fairly urban area. Its easier to find coffee grounds than leaves or needles!

I even worry about bark mulch, since it does create a moist layer for #$%##***# slugs to shelter in.

P.S. I've been told that fall is slug egg-lying season, and the most productive time to reduce their numbers.

I would love pine needle mulch.. not available here

RickCorey said: >> have you ever tried pine needle mulch?

I would if I had many! Though we do have pine trees, they don't seem to shed much. As with leaves, if I find any laying around unclaimed, I would fill my trunk. But I live in a fairly urban area. Its easier to find coffee grounds than leaves or needles!
.

I didn't mean to go find, scrape it off the ground! You just buy it in bales. With all the pines you have in the PNW, I imagine it's plentiful there.

http://www.pinestrawdirect.com... (for reference only, not recommending the company here)

Karen

It's becoming more and more popular here. It's a lot lighter weight to lug around the yard than wood mulch.

Karen

wow I see companies are shipping to NJ now.. no one would carry it here before

>> You just buy it in bales.

Hmm! If it repels slugs, it's worth hunting for. I haven't seen it yet.

I'm sort of a pine bark enthusiast, but pine needles could be good. Generally I screen out the really big bark chunks and use those as mulch. But they might encourage slugs, and anything that makes a slug's life more difficult is worth considering!

I hate being outwitted by molluscs.

Well, the pine mulch is kind of sharp and prikly. I think if they crawl through or over it, the mulch might pierce the boogers.

Karen

Lots of pine tree on the campus where I work. Think I shall go on a pine needle gathering expedition this week. Anything to try to slow down the snails, and even if it is not ture, with all the sunshine we have been having, a layer of mulch of any kind to keep in the water is always good.

Copper discourages slugs.
Also crushed egg shells or sawdust---they do not like crawling in it.
I usually toss a few pennies near plants that I see slugs going after.
Canada is phasing out the copper penny.

My pit bull eats slugs. So disgusting, she smacks her lips with obvious joy. aaaaaack

One of my dogs LOVES grubs. Ick!

Celene said:My pit bull eats slugs. So disgusting, she smacks her lips with obvious joy. aaaaaack

ooohhh ick.. no kisses from her!!

It went down to 30 last night! All my sprout babies were covered and looked just fine this morning. Last night was supposed to be the last of the freezing. Low 40's to mid 50's at night for the next then days!!

I'm well over 80% sprouted on my varieties (I'm up to about 175 different things sown). Of course some things only have a sprout or two. Some things are almost 100%. Soon the days of rushing home to check for new babies will be over

Most of what is left unsprouted: Agastaches, Penstemons, Celosias, and Columbines. With the next few days getting 60 or above and sun I expect that stuff will start to pop (well probably not the Columbines!)

The Astilbe which I wasn't even sure I got the seeds into the jug has three TINY sprouts. So I guess some made it in there after all!

This was a giant experiment for me, new to it all. I wasn't sure how well the WSing method would work. I grew WAY more than any sane person could need. But I like to share! Clearly I will have plenty to share!! I have decided I'm going to have a plant "sale". I'm going to have a day or two when anyone can come to my house and pick out what they want. If they bring their own containers and soil it will be free!

What a wonderful first wintersowing experience for you, Jennifer!

I bet you're well and truly hooked on it.

Yes, Chelle I am hooked! The trick next year will be to cut back!

So Jennifer, how about next year you start all my stuff for me then and make a trip to GA to deliver?

so glad to hear about the success Jennifer .. so happy for you!!