Hostas are a fantastic addition to any garden. With lush, oriental foliage, they are known for their ability to thrive in shady areas. They’re easy to grow, low maintenance and often outlast other plants. The only problem is, they are just as popular to slugs and snails as they are to us gardeners.
Hostas are an irresistible delicacy to slugs and snails. They will feast on the plant, leaving serious damage behind that will ruin the aesthetic of your garden. If you decide to grow hostas in your garden, it’s important to know the best ways to protect them. Especially if you live in areas with dull, damp weather and plenty of rainfall.
In this blog, we’ll explore the ways you can protect hostas from slugs and snails. Allowing them to thrive without the use of any traditional chemical slug killers.
Planting Sacrificial Plants
One strategy to keep slugs away from your hostas is to plant sacrificial plants that are more attractive to molluscs. Plants such as lettuce, marigolds and mustard greens should keep these pests busy, leaving your hostas alone. Place these plants strategically in your garden, close enough to your hostas that they choose the sacrificial plants over the hostas, but far enough away so that the slug does not think they have access to a banquet.
Choose Resistant Varieties
Not all hostas are equally appealing to slugs and snails. Opt for tougher, more resistant varieties with thicker leaves, such as Hosta ‘Blue Mouse Ears’, Hosta ‘June’, Hosta ‘Sum and Substance’. These varieties are less likely to suffer significant damage. Any hostas with a blue or glaucous coating have a waxy surface, which is a natural deterrent to slugs and snails.
Physical Removal
The most direct approach is to wander outside in the evening on a slug hunt mission. Simply pick any slugs or snails you see in your hostas. Don’t forget to bring a torch! It is the most laborious choice but, it is effective and gives you control over what you choose to do with these slimy pests.
Natural Predators
Encouraging natural predators in your garden is a simple way to keep your slug and snail population under control and requires very little from you. Attract birds by installing bird feeders and birdbaths. Encourage frogs and toads with a small wildlife pond and persuade hedgehogs by leaving gaps in fences and providing shelter.
Pet and Wildlife-Friendly Slug Deterrent
Envii Feed & Protect offers a dual benefit: it improves plant growth and nutrient uptake while naturally deterring slugs and snails. Its unique formula makes leaves taste bitter, encouraging pests to leave your hostas alone without harming them or irritating wildlife.
Unlike traditional slug pellets, Feed & Protect provides an invisible, non-hazardous form of protection, making it suitable for gardens, flower beds and vegetable patches. Simply dilute the powder in water and apply it to your plants. For waxy hosta leaves, add a small drop of washing-up liquid to help the solution adhere and absorb.
For effective, hassle-free slug protection that also supports healthy plant growth, Feed & Protect is a practical solution for keeping your hostas looking their best.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your hostas from slugs and snails doesn't have to be difficult. From choosing resistant varieties and encouraging natural predators to using pet and wildlife-friendly deterrents, there are plenty of ways to keep your plants healthy and looking their best. Every garden is different, so finding the right approach may take a little trial and error but with some persistence, you'll have full and vibrant hostas.
