Forecast: Hot and Sluggy

With the hot temperatures easing off this week, plants are starting to grow again.  Here is an informative article about How Hot Weather Affects Plants, all the way from the Gardening Volunteers of South Texas.  Hot soil seems to be more of an issue than hot sun, and it's important to water deeply - it encourages the roots to go down.  Mulching will help as well, now that most of our plants have passed the seedling stage and are less susceptible to slug damage. 

PJ's beans are setting flowers and looking really healthy.  

If you choose to use slug bait, opt for one containing iron, which will not harm pets or wildlife vs. old school metaldehyde products.  When applying slugbait, spread it sparingly over the surface of the bed.  Even though it's tempting to make a 'protective' ring around your prized plant, that concentration of bait is an advertisement that will draw slugs to your plant's location.  If you are going to advertise, do 'Free Beer' and set up a container trap for the slugs to enjoy. 

2016 Grand Prize Winner
(K.Yanchus Photo)

Another effective way to avoid slug damage is to hand gather them in the evening, or turn loose a bunch of kids to hunt them down at Slugfest.  Janet of Tahsis Toys has donated another hand-crafted (and highly coveted) Slug as a unique first prize for the most successful Slug Hunter. 


Highly recommended for further reading, see BC Best seller, "Backyard Bounty - The Complete Guide to Year-Round Organic Gardening in the Pacific Northwest" by Linda Gilkeson.