Not Copper Nor Coffee: Use This Perennial Herb To Help Deter Snails And Slugs

Slugs and snails can wreak havoc on a garden. These slimy intruders are known to chow down on anything from flowers to vegetables if given the opportunity. They leave behind a devastating trail of chew marks in cabbage, kale, beets, strawberries, and more. Unfortunately, these pests can be a bit tricky to deter once they discover they've hit the jackpot in your lush, tasty garden.

Copper barriers and coffee grounds are a couple common remedies gardeners reach for to send slugs and snails running. However, copper isn't impervious if a gastropod finds gaps in the perimeter, and coffee grounds will need to be reapplied frequently, including every time it rains. If you're ready to say goodbye to slugs in your yard with other organic methods, there's a perennial herb you can call on that will do the trick — oregano (Origanum vulgare).

Gastropods navigate using olfactory and gustatory cells found throughout their bodies. The scent emitted from fragrant herbs like oregano can disrupt their navigation systems, making it harder for them to find your precious garden plants. However, it's worth noting that not all subspecies of oregano work equally. A 1998 study published in the Journal of Chemical Ecology found that the essential oils of Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (also known as Greek oregano) had significant repellent effects, but Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare didn't affect snails' behavior; this is because the former contains higher concentrations of snail-repelling phenolic compounds than the latter. Luckily, this preventative measure isn't too hard to pull off since you can easily grow oregano in your garden to help keep these slimy pests away.

Oregano is considered low-maintenance, so you won't have to fuss over it much once it's established, coming back year after year in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8 to help control snails and slugs. To take advantage of this plant's abilities, create a living barrier around your garden. Plant it directly into your garden bed around the perimeter, making sure to space plants 8 to 10 inches apart. Or, to preserve precious planting space and keep oregano plants moveable, try planting in containers around your garden bed.

Oregano requires moist, well-drained soil and full sun. You can start this plant from seed or cuttings from an established plant, though seed-grown plants may have a weaker (and therefore less effective) scent. Not only will oregano keep the snails and slugs away, but it also looks lovely in a garden with its purple blooms. Pair oregano with other herbs slugs and snails avoid such as chamomile, lemon balm, thyme, and rosemary.

Along with your herbal barrier, you'll maximize your snail and slug mitigation if you implement other tactics as well. Maintaining a tidy, healthy garden is one way to prevent gastropods from sticking around since healthy plants are less vulnerable to slugs and snails. Trim your plants regularly to promote proper air flow and keep your yard clutter-free. Snails and slugs seek out moist, dark areas. If you remove places for them to hide while keeping an eye on your garden bed's moisture, they won't be as tempted to linger.