Sage features prominently in the long list of effective snail control remedies. The herbal plant does not fend off these pests on its own; You can find out here how sage tips the scales.

Aromatic protective wall keeps snails at bay

The high content of essential oils makes sage a popular aromatic and medicinal plant. What the human connoisseur likes in terms of taste and aroma keeps slugs away. Troubled hobby gardeners use the up to 90 centimeters high subshrubs as a protective wall for their useful and ornamental plants by planting sage as a bed border.

Ideally, you should prefer the young plants by sowing them on the windowsill from the end of March. At a temperature of 18 to 22 degrees, germination begins within 7-21 days. The young sages are planted out from mid-May at a distance of 30 centimeters. Alternatively, sow the sage seeds directly into the bed as soon as the temperatures are more than 10 degrees Celsius from the beginning of May.

Clever mulching intensifies deterrence

Due to its Mediterranean origin, sage prefers a calcareous, well-drained soil. A layer of mulch made of pointed grit (€46.95) is therefore very welcome for the herb bush. At the same time, the sharp material acts as a barrier against insatiable snails. Alternatively, a layer of mulch made of coarse sawdust stops the creeping pests. The much-vaunted coffee grounds are unsuitable as a barrier strip under sage because they lower the pH value.

Sage protects these plants from being eaten by snails

As a direct plant neighbour, sage envelops garden plants, which are preferred by snails, in a protective cloud of fragrance. Thus, the Mediterranean herb acts as a botanical bodyguard when the slimy invasion of the night approaches. In a mixed culture with the following ornamental and useful plants, sage fulfills this task brilliantly in a sunny location:

  • lamb and leaf lettuce
  • fennel
  • bluebells
  • cup mallows
  • chrysanthemums
  • sedum

tips and tricks

Sage does not only act as a deterrent against snails. It has been convincingly demonstrated that roses with an underplanting of sage are much less likely to be infested with aphids.

GTH

Category:

Herbs