{"id":38383,"date":"2024-07-29T16:26:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-29T14:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/8ff11672-db85-4b57-9460-a33950aed983"},"modified":"2024-07-29T17:31:21","modified_gmt":"2024-07-29T15:31:21","slug":"slug-proof-veg-17-plants-they-wont-eat","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/slug-proof-veg-17-plants-they-wont-eat\/","title":{"rendered":"Slug-proof veg: 17 plants they won&#8217;t eat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\">Struggling with slugs eating your crops? Here are 17 varieties of veg that they won&#8217;t touch. <\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By Janice Shipp\n      <\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Monday, 29 July 2024 at 14:26 PM<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>Many vegetable plants have exactly the sort of soft, succulent leaves that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/features\/slugs-snails-gardeners-friends\">slugs and snails<\/a> love to eat as much as we do. It\u2019s no surprise that leafy greens like lettuce and most of the cabbage family are some of the first things to be eaten and will continue to be a problem even when they\u2019ve grown to full size. There are vegetables that don\u2019t attract slug damage, though, and there are some that will avoid or shrug off damage if you can grow them larger before planting, or if you nurse them through the early stages of growth, protecting them till they\u2019re larger and less vulnerable.<\/p><p><strong>You might also like<\/strong><\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/features\/grow-your-own-history-vegetable-gardening\">A brief history of grow your own<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/growing-your-own-value\">Is growing your own veg really a good way to save money?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/plants\/slug-proof-plants\">38 slug-proof plants<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gardensillustrated.com\/garden-advice\/how-to\/organic-slug-control-ten-best\">Organic slug controls <\/a><\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-17-vegetables-that-slugs-won-t-munch\">17 vegetables that slugs won&#8217;t munch<\/h3><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-artichokes\">Artichokes <\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Artichokes &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Photos by R A Kearton<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Globe artichokes are perennials so are easier to grow than a lot of veg, plus they\u2019re untroubled by slugs and snails once established. They grow up to 1.5m tall and wide and the buds of mature plants are picked when orange-sized. Buy plants and plant them out from spring to early summer in a warm, sunny spot in well-drained soil. \u2018Gros Vert de Laon\u2019 (AGM) is hardy while \u2018Purple Globe\u2019 might need some frost protection.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-beetroot\">Beetroot<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-85307956.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176333\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Beetroot &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Martin Harvey<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>This earthy vegetable isn\u2019t the first choice for slugs, so sowing seeds directly in the ground is usually safe to do. In a year as bad as this one, though, it\u2019s best to start seeds off in modules and transplant larger plants. The classic \u2018Boltardy\u2019 (AGM) is a good choice, as is \u2018Red Ace\u2019 (AGM) while \u2018Chioggia\u2019 has concentric rings that look pretty in salads. Beetroot needs full sun and crumbly, well-drained soil.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-celery\">Celery <\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1807573845.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176334\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celery &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Valeriy_G<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Long dismissed as a vegetable that takes more energy to chew than it provides, celery actually has many health benefits. Sow seeds under cover, somewhere warm, in spring and grow plants on in 9cm pots until well developed before planting out after the last frosts. Small plants might attract slugs but are much less susceptible to damage when larger. Plant in rich, damp soil in sun. Try \u2018Loretta\u2019 (AGM) or \u2018Celebrity\u2019, both self-blanching varieties.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-celeriac\">Celeriac<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1280695199.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176335\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Celeriac &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ pcturner71<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Closely related to celery, celeriac forms a large, often knobbly, edible base. As with celery, mature plants are usually left alone by slugs and snails. Sow seeds under cover, somewhere warm, in early spring and plant, in sun or light shade, after the last frost. Grow in rich soil and water well in dry spells. Varieties such as \u2018Ibis\u2019 (AGM) and \u2018Brilliant\u2019 (AGM) have smooth skin which makes preparation easier.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-chard\">Chard<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1268726980.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176336\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Chard &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Martin Hambleton<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>As with its relative, beetroot, it\u2019s rare to lose whole chard plants to molluscs, though they might eat young leaves or the outer leaves of mature plants. Chard is hardy and seeds can be sown into the soil but it\u2019s easier to grow plants in 9cm pots before planting out in spring. Choose a sunny spot with rich soil that holds moisture. \u2018Fordhook Giant\u2019 (AGM) is vigorous and \u2018Bright Lights\u2019 (AGM) is tasty and colourful.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-early-potatoes\">Early potatoes<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"752\" height=\"464\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1311191056.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176337\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Potatoes &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ blinow61<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Potato tubers and, in bad years, even leaves are often eaten by slugs. Early potatoes, however, planted in March and harvested in June can avoid damage as they are planted and dug up before slugs become fully active. Plant seed potatoes under the cover of a cloche or in containers in a greenhouse. Earth up the foliage if frost is forecast. \u2018Jazzy\u2019 (AGM) is good for containers and \u2018Red Duke of York\u2019 (AGM) good in the ground.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-endive\">Endive<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"727\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-184371507.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176338\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Curly Endives &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ kalimf<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Young endive plants and those covered for blanching (keeping leaves pale and milder tasting) are likely to be a target for slugs while mature, unblanched plants don\u2019t attract them but might taste bitter; the amount of bitterness depends on the variety. There are varieties suited for summer harvests, like \u2018Frenzy\u2019 (AGM) and winter harvests, such as \u2018Natascha (AGM), so sowing times vary accordingly. Endive likes sun and will grow in any soil that isn\u2019t very dry or waterlogged.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-garlic\">Garlic <\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"727\" height=\"481\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-539850018.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176339\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Garlic &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ blinow61<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Spraying a mix of water and garlic onto plant leaves is often said to deter slug and snails as they don\u2019t like the taste. That might not be foolproof, but it explains why garlic bulbs are rarely slug damaged. Softneck varieties planted in autumn are easiest to grow and store well. You can also plant them in spring. Try \u2018Cristo\u2019 (AGM) or \u2018Solent White\u2019 (AGM). Plant cloves in sun and well-drained soil.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-herbs\">Herbs<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1365840972.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176340\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Herb garden &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Paul Maguire<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Some of the softer herbs such as Florence fennel, dill, basil, and coriander might attract slugs and snails when young so should be grown in containers or, if in the ground, will need vigilance until they\u2019re mature, but many herbs are too strongly flavoured or tough to be tackled by molluscs. Rosemary, mint, leaf fennel, parsley, marjoram, thyme, tarragon and sage grow well without problems. All herbs like sun and need soil which drains well to thrive.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-jerusalem-artichokes\">Jerusalem artichokes <\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1406094811.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176341\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jerusalem artichoke &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Ali Majdfar<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Related to sunflowers, these small edible tubers, planted in spring, grow tall and have yellow flowers before being harvested in late autumn. They can attract slugs and snails when new leaves emerge from any tubers left in the ground, but they\u2019re very vigorous and normally manage to grow to maturity. They\u2019re not fussy about soil type if its well-drained and will grow in sun or light shade. Any tubers left in the ground will re-grow next spring.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lambs-lettuce\">Lambs lettuce<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1483683829.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176343\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lamb&#8217;s lettuce &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Westend61<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>If lettuce is tricky to keep slug free, lambs lettuce could be the answer. It\u2019s not really a lettuce at all, though, and is often grown as a winter and spring crop although it also grows in summer. Sow seeds of varieties such as \u2018Favor\u2019 directly into soil or in pots in a greenhouse between spring and autumn. Plants need fertile, moist soil in sun or part shade and can be harvested almost all year round.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-leeks\">Leeks<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1470489456.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176344\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leeks &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Crispin la valiente<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Leek seeds can be sown directly in the soil but to avoid slugs are best sown into modules or 9cm pots in spring and planted out in a sunny spot in well-drained soil when around 15-20cm tall and pencil thick. Keep them well watered as they grow. In many areas leeks should be grown under insect-proof mesh to avoid allium leaf miner and leek moth. \u2018Malabar\u2019 and \u2018Krypton\u2019 (AGM) are good varieties.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-peas\">Peas<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1202459819.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176345\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Peas &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Maksims Grigorjevs<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>While beans tend to be popular target for slugs and snails at all stages, peas are much less likely to be damaged once they get past seedling stage. Sow them into 9cm pots or lengths of guttering and plant out when they\u2019ve put on good growth to minimise problems. If you like mangetout, try \u2018Oregon Sugar Pod\u2019, or for podded peas try \u2018Jaguar\u2019 (AGM). Sow in batches and plant in rich, well-drained soil in sun.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-radicchio\">Radicchio<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1839603431.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176347\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Radicchio &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ y-studio<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Radicchio is a type of chicory and, like endive, has a bitter flavour that\u2019s unattractive to slugs and snails after the seedling stage. Also, the bitter outer leaves of the round, cabbage-like heads naturally blanch the inner leaves. Seeds of varieties like \u2018Palla Rossa\u2019 (AGM) can be sown in batches from April onwards. Plants like fertile, well-drained soil and sun, though can be grown in part shade in summer. Winter crops need protection from frost.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-squash\">Squash<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1314952421.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176348\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pattypan squash &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ i-am-helen<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Squash plants can be prone to slug damage when small. However, they grow very vigorously once established and have bristly leaves and tough skins on their fruit which deter slugs. Some varieties ripen in summer, some in winter and there are many different shapes, sizes and types. Sow seeds in spring in a warm place, plant out after the last frost in a sunny spot in well-drained, fertile soil, and give them room to grow.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sweetcorn\">Sweetcorn<\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-522686156.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176349\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sweetcorn &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Clive Nichols<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Sweetcorn is a great vegetable to grow because freshly picked cobs taste delicious and slugs rarely bother with the grass-like leaves. Sow seeds in late spring in a warm place and plant out after the last frost, in blocks, in an open sunny site with well-drained soil. Plants need some protection from strong winds but good airflow to aid pollination. \u2018Moonshine\u2019 is a tasty supersweet variety and \u2018Swift\u2019 (AGM) a good tendersweet variety.<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-tomatoes\">Tomatoes <\/h4><figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2024\/07\/GettyImages-1466008732.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-176351\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tomatoes &#8211; \u00a9 Getty \/ Mykhailo Hrytsiv \/ 500px<\/figcaption><\/figure><p>Always popular with veg growers, tomato plants don\u2019t attract slugs at all. Ripening fruit might get eaten, but usually only a few fruit near the ground are damaged. If growing tomatoes outside, blight resistant varieties are the best choice, such as \u2018Oh Happy Day\u2019 or \u2018Goldwin Golden Cocktail\u2019, but if you have a greenhouse the choice is far wider, try \u2018Suncherry Premium\u2019 (AGM) or beefsteak \u2018Gigantomo\u2019 (AGM). Plants need full sun and regular watering and feeding.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Struggling with slugs eating your crops? 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Here are 17 varieties of veg that they won't touch.","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/38383"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38384"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}