The basil in the vegepod is doing well but those pesky slugs are eating the leaves. Paul went outside with a torch last night and discovered the nasty, slimy critters munching away. Back home in France we scatter slug pellets around to keep them at bay but Sarah forbids the use of any poisons in her vegan garden. Paul decided he would buy some sharp sand to put around the base of the plant to deter the slugs. So we hopped on a bus to Mosman to visit the hardware store.
Incongruously positioned between two designer boutiques in the heart of trendy, upmarket Mosman this traditional hardware store is crammed full with everything you could ever want, except for sharp sand. The shopkeeper was very helpful but seemed a bit bemused when we explained what we wanted it for.
On the way back to the bus stop we passed a shoe shop. Paul has been looking for a pair of casual lace up shoes to wear with shorts. He saw a pair that caught his eye and headed inside to try them on. They were very nice but when he saw the $300 price tag he went quite pale and suddenly decided he didn’t like them at all.
When we got back home we noticed an aquarium shop opposite the bus stop. Aquarium grit is going to work just as well as sharp sand and it only cost four dollars.
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| Head Gardener |
I watch Monty Don telling me that I should add (horticultural) grit to the soil for drainage etc but They just don't sell it here. Perhaps you should just use tongs and take the slimy things for a long one-way walk in a bucket.
ReplyDeleteYour two will be back soon to deal with the problem...
We've had problems in France too trying to get sharp sand/grit for the garden.
DeleteBuddy looks so human.
ReplyDeleteIt's the eyes.
DeleteA saucer of beer will work to I am told
ReplyDeleteI tried drinking a saucer of beer but the slugs still came.
DeleteLove this reply! :D
DeleteYou could try crushed eggshells. The doglet looks very sad.
ReplyDeleteApparently eggshells aren't vegan!!! Buddy turns on that expression when he wants a biscuit.
DeleteSalt?
ReplyDeleteThe best selfie ever! You could turn this beautiful picture of Buddy into a painting Sue; I know you draw very well.
Greetings Maria x
I thought about salt but just worried it might affect the plant. Might sprinkle some on top of the grit. I don't think I could do justice to Buddy in a painting.
DeleteBeer is supposed to work well - would it count as vegan?
ReplyDeleteHow are you ever going to leave Buddy, when it's time to come home? If it were me, I'd be sneaking him down to the vet for his required shots and his pet passport. He's only a small chap, so he could probably travel in the cabin with you, in a special travelling bag. I'm sure the vet will advise you which on is suitable......
I'm already scheming!
DeleteI use 'wildlife friendly' sluggo. If I didn't I'd have nothing. It's all the stone walls; perfect homes for slugs.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were making that up with a name like Sluggo! Sarah doesn't want to kill the slugs. I know!
DeleteBeer and salt helps with slugs.
ReplyDeletecheers, parsnip
Might try using some salt. (We're right out of beer!)
DeleteA great post.
ReplyDeleteSlugs are disgusting! Glad the aquarium store could help you out!
ReplyDeleteThe Head Gardener has such kind eyes.
ReplyDelete