copper strips

[nemo]

i use copper stripe 2 inch by 14 inch strips to deter slugs from most of my seedlings but the copper that is in a circle around the plant also acts as a watering device .if the strips are pushed into the soil and the ends are overlapped it also holds water making sure the water goes to the plants roots and not all over the veg bed.so i need to carry fewer watering cans of water and i am not watering the weeds, sparing the water for the vegetables only
regards
nemo

[Caro]

Interesting idea. I used some of the adhesive copper tape round my raised beds last year, but I assume you're using something more robust? I'm beginning to wonder whether i can somehoe attach copper pipe round all my beds!

[ginger ninger]

Interesting idea. I used some of the adhesive copper tape round my raised beds last year, but I assume you're using something more robust? I'm beginning to wonder whether i can somehoe attach copper pipe round all my beds!

I would think if you squashed it flat you could nail it into place Caro. Well worth a try me thinks.

[Jeanied]

Just make sure it doesn't get nicked - copper pipe is a valuable commodity!

[OllieMartin]

Just make sure it doesn't get nicked - copper pipe is a valuable commodity!

And for that reason I would think using copper pipe would be an expensive way to deter slugs. The copper tape is much much thinner.
I wonder if you could cut a small ringlet of pipe and grow the seedling through it. You could only do it with plants with particularly thin stems and I wonder if they would react with the copper...not sure.

[nemo]

the copper i use is cut from a copper water cylinder ,these are easily got from your local plumber or your local recycling centre.after so many years the copper tanks leak and they are replaced.i use a hand shears and angle grinder to cut up the cylinder .the base of the cylinder makes a great water bath for the birds .

[chris]

Copper never works for me, I've even placed slugs on copper strings (or near it) - even with me cutting a crimped jagged edge with it - they just slide over it straight into my waiting scissors

[Guttata]

I will have to see if I can find it. I remember reading an article on how to make an "electric fence" for slugs from copper wire and a battery. If I can find it I will post the link. If I remember rightly it was for raised beds but could be adapted for pots by the practically minded.

Chris what do you mean by copper "strings"? I think you need a certain area of the slug/snail exposed to the copper to reach a point at which a shock is given.

[chris]

erm, strips heh.

sorry lack of sleep

I'd be interested inthat plan though, for my beds!

[Guttata]

I have found one so far that shows it in a video:
How To Control Garden Slugs

There is no real plan it just seems to be wires staples around the bed, about 1-2cms apart attached to a 9v battery.

Here's the direct you tube link and some people have said it works.
YouTube - Slug control - The 9-Volt Solution

I'm going to give it a try but I will have to set up a new pot as mine tend to get painted. The ones I would be most worried about are painted in metallic containing actual metal flakes so I think that might not be a good idea.

I'll keep looking as I remember a few others that were a tad more technical.