Straw on the bed is supposed to keep snails away. But does this measure really help? Find out below why you should avoid straw and what alternatives there are to keep snails away from the bed.
Does straw really help against snails?
Straw is not an effective measure against snails because it restricts their movement, but creates a moist climate under the layer, which is particularly attractive to snails. Alternative methods such as snail fences or beer traps are recommended.
Why mulch beds with straw?
Mulch - no matter what type - has many advantages. These include, among others:
- It retains moisture in the soil longer, so you need to water less.
- It inhibits weed growth.
- It protects against heavy rain and thus prevents erosion.
- Mulch protects against frost and sun.
- It also preserves microorganisms in the soil and thus ensures better soil quality.
In summary,that mulching reduces gardening tasks such as watering, weeding and fertilizing. The big advantage of straw as mulch: It can be obtained locally and of good quality.
What disadvantages does straw have on the bed?
But straw and other types of mulch also have their disadvantages: When there is a lot of moisture, the soil can remain permanently wet. And this is where the snails come into play:Snails love moisture, which is why they find it particularly cozy under the layer of mulch. Although snails cannot move around very well on straw, they are happy to accept this small inconvenience in exchange for the pleasantly moist shelter.
Keep snails away
You can't scare away snails with straw, but there are other effective remedies against snails:
- Put up a snail fence.
- Catch the snails with a beer trap (€12.00 on Amazon).
- Plant flowers that snails don't like.
- Create a raised bed.
You should also always water in the morning. If you water your plants in the evening, you will create exactly the humid, wet climate that snails particularly like. Since the animals are nocturnal, they will enjoy this at night.
Tip
Mulch for strawberries, cucumbers and pumpkins
Straw is particularly popular for plants whose fruits lie on the ground. The straw layer protects the fruit from contact with the earth and thus prevents moisture from penetrating and premature spoilage.–Does straw help against snails?-Snails find it difficult to move on straw.-However, under the straw layer, a humid climate is created, which is particularly difficult for snails attracts.-Straw is therefore not a sensible measure against snails.
