by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
In 2011 I reviewed this garden “gadget” and found that it not really worked for me and that despite the fact that the slug pellets used were regularly refreshed. However, in spite of that I gave it another try in 2012 during the wettest drought in history.
I do believe now that the area I tried to protect from slugs and snails with the slug bell in 2011 may have been far too large for just one bell.
So, as said, in 2012, despite misgivings and especially considering the heaven for slugs and snails weather that we had, I gave it another try, in a much smaller area, I hasten to add, which was about a three square foot.
This way the slug bell seems to have been giving much better results and has kept slugs and snail damage of one of their favorite foods, runner bean plants, to a minimum. I can thus but say that I am reviewing my previous take on the slug bell product somewhat.
However, having said this, seeing that the are that can successfully be covered with one slug bell is not very large one would require quite a fair number of these then to cover a whole vegetable garden. As price is always an issue with many who wish to grow their own food in order to reduce the impact on their budgets.
But, the slug bell, if the area to be protected is not too big, does work and work well indeed.
I would estimate that one would require about one slug bell per every three to five square foot to create an effective defensive system and cover and it has to be remembered that the pellets, despite the fact that they are protected from from rain and the elements, in their little basket, through the bell cover itself, will need replacing about every fortnight or so to remain effective.
Being quite colorful the slug bells can also bring a little color and and element of fun to otherwise bland vegetable patches but at a cost of just under £10 it is not a cheap option.
Small areas per slug bell is the trick and regular replacement of pellets.
© 2012
