Garlic Wash Slug Control

We are always asked about how to protect hostas from being eaten by slugs and snails. Garlic wash is a really simple, cheap and safe way to protect your hostas without using harmful pellets. Here is a simple recipe that we use on the nursery.

Take 2 full bulbs of garlic and add them to approximately 2L of water in a saucepan.
Boil until soft and squash with the back of a fork to release as much juice as possible.
Sieve out skins and bits so you are left with a cloudy liquid concentrate.
Dilute approximately 2 tablespoons to 5L of water in a sprayer or watering can.
Spray or water over your plants once a week February-October.
High dosage and more regular applications may be needed in wet weather.

Store outside in a cool dry place or in the fridge. Can be used throughout the season, make a fresh batch every year.

11 Responses

Lesley

June 30, 2025

Don’t just spray on the Hosta but water it around the plant, the new foliage will come up tasting of garlic which will deter the slugs , it’s best to start in February as they just start to grow.

Virginia

May 30, 2025

Hello, would you it be more effective to just put the garlic in the dirt? Im just thinking if it rains u would have to do the wash again but if u have garlic in the dirt u wouldnt have to? Or do u have to replace the garlic bulbs every season? Im gonna do this because my hostas look good right now but in 3 weeks they r gonna start looking horrible! So any easy suggestions would be appreciated, what r the pro and cons of each method? Thanks

Ian Phillips

July 29, 2024

My hostas have suffered this year and an evening inspection to remove slugs and snails had little effect. On further inspection I found baby snails down inside each plant stem enjoying my hosta salad.

Edie Dingwall

May 24, 2024

I’m going to try this thank you

Barney Rubble

May 18, 2024

I made this but then had garlic soup. Is there anything else I can use instead?

Wanda

May 04, 2024

Will crushed eggshells be goo all around plant

Louise

May 02, 2024

Hi I’ve tried this, spraying regularly and it is helping but still some nibbling on some plants. Are there any varieties that seem to be less attractive to slugs and snails???

Louise

May 02, 2024

Hi I’ve tried this, spraying regularly and it is helping but still some nibbling on some ants. Are there any varieties that seem to be less attractive to slugs and snails???