Slugs & Dahlia's

[watercolor]

BAH! my inground tomato plant, along with one of my basil plants are getting attacked by slugs. I only know this- because there is little black, mechanical pencil size rements of slug crap on the leaves and such. What are some easy organic if you please, ways that you have tried and gotten rid of them? They aren't touching my green peppers or habenaro's, lemonbalm or marigolds at all.. what gives?



And another thing- my dahlia's are going kaput. This is my first year gardening- so I dont know much about the time frame of what is suppose to die off when- but I am reading in what spare time I have while skeet isnt going mach speed. I havent found anything as of yet to tell me about my dahlias. I had 5 gorgeous dahlia bushes, and 2 very large dinner plate dahlia bushes - that are now going kaput. Is it because of the whacky weather as of late? I mean- I deadhead them- and make sure they are properly cared for- but my smaller dahlia bushes- where the buds are- is like they aren't even blooming anymore- but almost look like they die befor they come out. Any ideas?


It's much appreciated.

 

[jazz lady]

BAH! my inground tomato plant, along with one of my basil plants are getting attacked by slugs. I only know this- because there is little black, mechanical pencil size rements of slug crap on the leaves and such. What are some easy organic if you please, ways that you have tried and gotten rid of them? They aren't touching my green peppers or habenaro's, lemonbalm or marigolds at all.. what gives?

Slugs like certain things better than others, like tomatoes and basil. Diatomaceous earth is the best thing I've ever found for slugs. Non-toxic, effective, inexpensive, and lasts a long time. You can find it at any gardening center and even Wal-Mart, Target, or Lowe's.

And another thing- my dahlia's are going kaput. This is my first year gardening- so I dont know much about the time frame of what is suppose to die off when- but I am reading in what spare time I have while skeet isnt going mach speed. I havent found anything as of yet to tell me about my dahlias. I had 5 gorgeous dahlia bushes, and 2 very large dinner plate dahlia bushes - that are now going kaput. Is it because of the whacky weather as of late? I mean- I deadhead them- and make sure they are properly cared for- but my smaller dahlia bushes- where the buds are- is like they aren't even blooming anymore- but almost look like they die befor they come out. Any ideas?

Dahlias grow from bulbs. After growing and blooming, they die back. They're also not winter-hearty around here and need to be dug up and stored inside over the winter. I'm not sure what the problem with the smaller ones is but I'm pretty sure it's weather and/or water related. I'll research and find out more later.

It's much appreciated.

Any time.

 

[watercolor]

Thanks Jazz! I knew you would respond!

I am actually going to take pictures of my poor dahlia's so that you (or anyone else) could get a better idea of what I am talking about. It's a strange thing- cause it happened OVERNIGHT! And these were hearty dahlia plants- that went NUTS as I deadheaded them. Bloomed like crazy! Beautiful colors, and full of blooms- then one day- BANG- they were crapped. It is the strangest thing.

I get alot of sun- which is good for them and such- but I am starting to wonder if those hot hot days that we had a while back- didnt burn them to death or something.

 

[mamissa3]

i know this probaly sounds weird...but dixie cups cut in half filled with beer...the slugs are attracted to it and they die