I am in B'ham,zone 8. Last summer I had snail infestation in my raised bed garden and treated for them. After fall, I pulled all plants & covered the area w/ straw. I brought in my mint herb;I just found a baby snail in it. Will the snail eggs die in my garden over winter or will they hatch when it gets warm? What do I need to do to make sure that I don't have a waiting snail problem next spring? |
Snails lay clusters of eggs in the soil and unless they are exposed to the elements they will survive the winter months and hatch in the spring. Cultivating the soil down to a depth of about 6" should bring the eggs up to the surface where they will make great bird food or will dry out or freeze when exposed to sunshine or frosty weather. For added snail-proofing, sprinkle some of the iron based snail bait (such as Sluggo) over the bed after you have planted it next spring. Sluggo is safe to use around wildlife, people and pets. Any that is not consumed by slugs and snails will break down into simple iron, which is good for the soil. Best wishes with your garden! |