How to Get Rid of Snails on Purple Kale Plant

Snails can be a nuisance in the garden, especially when they start feeding on your precious purple kale plants. These slimy creatures can quickly damage your kale leaves and hinder the healthy growth of your plants. However, there are several effective methods you can use to get rid of snails and protect your purple kale. In this article, we will explore some of these methods and provide you with helpful tips to keep your plants safe.

Understanding Snails’ Behavior

Before we delve into the various control methods, it is important to understand snails’ behavior and habits. Snails are most active during the night and prefer moist environments. They are attracted to plants with succulent leaves, such as kale, which makes them a common pest in vegetable gardens.

Snails leave behind a trail of slime, which makes it easier to identify their presence. They feed by scraping the surface of the leaves, leaving irregular holes and jagged edges. If you notice these signs on your purple kale plants, it’s time to take action.

Manual Removal

One of the simplest and most effective methods to control snails is manual removal. This method requires actively searching for snails in your garden and physically removing them from your purple kale plants. It is best done during the early morning or late evening when snails are most active.

To manually remove snails, inspect the underside of leaves and the surrounding soil. You can either pick them off with your hands or use gardening gloves or tongs if you prefer not to touch them directly. Dispose of the snails away from your garden to prevent them from returning.

Create Barriers

Creating physical barriers around your purple kale plants can also help prevent snail infestations. A simple method is to place copper tape or flashing around the base of each plant. Snails dislike copper and will avoid crossing it due to an unpleasant reaction it causes on their bodies.

Another effective barrier method is using crushed eggshells. Spread a layer of crushed eggshells around your plants, forming a protective ring. The sharp edges of the eggshells act as a deterrent for snails, preventing them from reaching your kale leaves.

Beer Traps

Beer traps are a popular and effective method for controlling snails. Snails are attracted to the smell of beer and will crawl into the trap, eventually drowning in the liquid. To create a beer trap, bury a container, such as a shallow dish or jar, in the soil near your purple kale plants. Fill it halfway with beer and leave it overnight.

Check the traps each morning and dispose of the drowned snails. Refill the traps as needed until the snail population is under control. It is important to note that this method may also attract beneficial insects, so monitor the traps closely to avoid unintended consequences.

Natural Predators

Introducing natural predators into your garden can be an effective and environmentally friendly way to control snails. Ducks and chickens are known to feed on snails, so if you have access to these animals, consider allowing them to roam in your garden during the day. However, be mindful that they may also cause damage to your plants if not properly managed.

Certain bird species, such as thrushes and blackbirds, also feed on snails. Attracting these birds to your garden by providing bird feeders and bird baths can help control the snail population naturally. Additionally, hedgehogs and frogs are natural predators of snails and can be encouraged to visit your garden by providing suitable habitats such as log piles or ponds.

Organic Snail Baits

If manual removal and natural predators aren’t sufficient to control snail populations, you may consider using organic snail baits as a last resort. Organic snail baits are formulated using iron phosphate, a naturally occurring mineral that is safe for the environment, pets, and wildlife.

To use organic snail baits, sprinkle the pellets around your purple kale plants according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to follow the recommended dosage and avoid overapplication. Regularly check the baited areas and remove any dead snails to prevent them from decomposing and attracting other pests.

Cultural Practices

In addition to the aforementioned methods, implementing certain cultural practices can help reduce snail populations in your garden. Keeping your garden clean and free of debris can eliminate potential hiding places for snails. Regularly remove fallen leaves and trim overgrown vegetation to create an inhospitable environment for these pests.

Water your purple kale plants in the morning so that the soil surface dries out during the day. Snails prefer moist environments, so reducing excess moisture can discourage their presence. Additionally, spacing your plants adequately allows for better air circulation, which can help deter snails.

Conclusion

Snails can be a persistent problem in any garden, but with the right strategies, you can effectively control their population and protect your beloved purple kale plants. Remember to regularly inspect your plants, manually remove snails, create physical barriers, use beer traps or natural predators, and consider organic snail baits as a last resort. By implementing these methods and practicing good cultural habits, you can enjoy a healthy and thriving purple kale garden free from snail damage.