While it’s widely accepted that snails are herbivores, the extent of their plant consumption and the specific types of plants they target are less understood.

It’s clear that snails are drawn to certain plants, but what drives their preferences and how can we protect our gardens from these slimy pests?

Key Takeaways

• Snails are attracted to plants with tender leaves and stems, high water content, and soft texture, making them vulnerable to snail damage.
• Snails feed on a variety of plants, including zucchini, spinach, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, and cabbage, causing holes and tears in leaves.
• Snails need a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, protein-rich foods, and calcium-rich foods to thrive.
• Snails can cause extensive harm to gardens, leading to damaged plants, spread of plant diseases, and ecosystem disruption.
• Effective snail control methods include using copper tape, organic pesticides, hand-picking, and maintaining a clean and dry environment to deter snails.

10 Plants That Snails Will Eat

Snails are known to feed on a variety of plants, and some of the most susceptible to damage are common garden vegetables and leafy greens. Here are the 10 plants, snails will eat;

1) Zucchini

Nearly 80% of a snail’s diet can consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, and zucchini as a snack provides essential nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, beneficial for snail health.

Snails are attracted to the tender leaves and stems of zucchini plants, and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To avoid this, vital measures must be taken to protect your zucchini crop from snail infestation.

Snails are most active at night, so vigilantly inspect your plants regularly for signs of damage.

Look for holes in the leaves, slime trails, and gnawed stems. If you notice any of these signs, take immediate action to remove the snails and prevent further damage.

To protect your zucchini plants from snails, use copper tape or crushed eggshells around the base of the plants.

Snails don’t like to cross over these surfaces, so they’ll be deterred from reaching your plants. You can also use organic pest control methods like neem oil or garlic spray to repel snails.

2) Spinach

Many spinach plants have fallen victim to the insatiable appetite of snails, which are particularly drawn to the tender, nutrient-rich leaves of this popular leafy green.

Snails are attracted to spinach’s high water content and soft texture, making it an ideal snack.

As a result, spinach crops are often decimated by snail infestations, leaving farmers and gardeners with significant losses.

To prevent snail damage, one approach is to create physical barriers, such as copper tape or crushed eggshells, around the spinach plants to deter snails.

Another method is to use organic pesticides, like iron phosphate baits, to eliminate snail populations.

Furthermore, maintaining a clean and dry environment can help reduce the attractiveness of spinach to snails.

3) Cucumber

Cucumber vines, with their sprawling tendrils and delicate, yellow-hued flowers, are another favored delicacy of snails.

These versatile vegetables are commonly grown in gardens and are a staple in many cuisines around the world. Unfortunately, their tender leaves and stems make them an attractive snack for snails.

Snails are particularly drawn to the moisture-rich leaves and stems of cucumber plants, which provide them with vital nutrients.

If you’re growing cucumbers in your garden, it’s vital to take measures to protect them from snails. You can hand-pick snails from the plants, especially after rainfall or at night when they’re most active.

4) Carrot

Snails’ affinity for moisture-rich plants extends to carrot tops, which provide a succulent feast for these pests.

Carrot tops, with their soft, leafy greens, are an attractive snack for snails.

As they make their way through the garden, snails are drawn to the sweet, earthy flavor of carrot greens, leaving behind a trail of slime and damaged plant tissue.

Snails tend to target young, tender carrot plants, which are more vulnerable to damage.

As the plants mature, the greens become tougher and less appealing to snails. However, even mature carrot plants can fall victim to snail attacks, especially if they are stressed or weakened.

To protect carrot plants from snail damage, gardeners can take preventative measures such as hand-picking snails, using copper barriers, or applying organic repellents.

Regularly inspecting plants for signs of snail activity and removing any damaged leaves can also help minimize the spread of damage.

5) Lettuce

Lettuce, a crisp and invigorating addition to salads and sandwiches, is also a coveted delicacy for snails.

As a favorite among garden pests, lettuce plants are susceptible to snail damage, particularly in moist and humid environments. Snails are drawn to the tender leaves and stems of lettuce, which provide a nutritious source of food for them.

In gardens, lettuce plants can be protected from snail damage by using copper barriers, crushed eggshells, or other deterrents.

Removing hiding places, such as leaf litter and weeds, can also help reduce snail populations. For those who cultivate lettuce, it is essential to monitor plants regularly for signs of snail damage, such as holes and tears in the leaves.

Early detection and intervention can help prevent significant damage to lettuce crops.

6) Cabbage

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, are a staple in many gardens, but they also happen to be a favorite among snails.

These leafy greens are not only nutritious for humans, but they also provide a tasty and nutritious meal for snails. Cabbage, in particular, is a preferred snack for snails due to its tender leaves and high water content.

Snails are attracted to the sweet, slightly bitter flavor of cabbage, making it an ideal food source for them.

As a result, gardeners who grow cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables may find themselves struggling to protect their crops from snail infestations.

Snails can cause significant damage to cabbage plants, leaving behind holes and tears in the leaves.

To prevent this, gardeners can use barriers, traps, and repellents to deter snails from feeding on their cabbage crops.

7) Ageratum

Vibrancy in the garden can be a double-edged sword, as it often attracts unwanted visitors like snails.

Ageratum, a type of flowering plant, is a prime example of this.

Its bright blue or white blooms may add a pop of color to the garden, but they also make it a snail magnet. Snails are drawn to the tender leaves and stems of ageratum, which can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked.

Ageratum is particularly susceptible to snail damage because of its soft, delicate foliage.

Snails can easily chew through the plant’s leaves, leaving behind unsightly holes and tears. This can be especially problematic for gardeners who rely on ageratum as a key component of their garden’s aesthetic.

To protect ageratum from snails, gardeners can employ a range of strategies, including copper barriers, crushed eggshells, and organic pesticides.

8) Hibiscus

Hibiscus plants, with their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.

However, their beauty comes at a cost, as they are also a favorite snack of snails. These slimy creatures are attracted to the tender leaves and stems of hibiscus plants, which can lead to significant damage and discoloration.

Snails are particularly drawn to the young, tender shoots of hibiscus plants, which can be devastating to the plant’s overall health.

As snails feed on the leaves, they can also spread disease and create openings for other pests to infest the plant. If left unchecked, snail infestations can lead to the decline or even death of the hibiscus plant.

To protect hibiscus plants from snail damage, gardeners can take preventative measures such as removing debris, reducing moisture, and using physical barriers to deter snails.

Hand-picking snails at night can also be an effective way to control infestations. By taking these steps, gardeners can enjoy the beauty of hibiscus plants while minimizing the risk of snail damage.

9) Chamomile

Chamomile, a herb prized for its calming effects and soothing aroma, is another plant that finds itself on the menu of snails.

This herb, often used in teas and potpourri, is unfortunately a favorite among these slimy pests.

If left unchecked, snails can devour an entire chamomile plant in a matter of days, leaving behind only bare stems and devastated gardeners.

To protect chamomile plants from snails, gardeners can use a combination of physical barriers, such as copper tape or crushed eggshells, and organic repellents, like garlic or hot pepper spray.

Hand-picking snails at night can also be an effective method of control. By taking these measures, gardeners can enjoy the calming benefits of chamomile while also preserving the beauty of their gardens.

10) Lilies

Lilies, with their elegant white blooms and sweet fragrance, are a popular choice for many gardens, but they are also a preferred snack for snails.

These delicate flowers are often used in floral arrangements and are a symbol of purity and innocence.

However, their beauty and fragrance are overshadowed by their vulnerability to snail damage. Snails are particularly attracted to the tender shoots and leaves of lilies, and can cause significant harm to the plant if left unchecked.

To protect lilies from snail damage, gardeners can take several precautions. Copper barriers, crushed eggshells, and sharp gravel can be used to deter snails from approaching the plants.

Hand-picking snails at night can also be an effective method of control. Furthermore, using organic pest control methods, such as beer traps or snail pellets, can help to eliminate snail populations.

How Do I Stop Snails From Eating My Plants?

Snail-damaged gardens are a frustrating reality for many plant enthusiasts, as snails can quickly devour prized flowers and leaves.

To protect your garden from snail damage;

• Create a physical barrier around your plants using copper tape, crushed eggshells, or sharp gravel, which snails find difficult to cross.

• Furthermore, understanding snail diet and nutrition is vital, as a balanced diet can prevent digestive issues in snails, making them less likely to feed on your plants. Snails require a diet rich in protein, calcium, and other key minerals to support their growth and shell development.

• Another approach is to trap snails using shallow containers filled with beer or a mixture of yeast and sugar, which attract them.

• Hand-picking snails, especially at night when they’re most active, can also be an effective way to control their population.

• Maintain a clean and tidy garden by removing debris and hiding places can help reduce snail infestations.

• Finally, using organic pest control methods such as neem oil or garlic spray can help deter snails from feeding on your plants

What Else to Feed a Snail Apart From Plants?

While snails are notorious for their plant-based appetite, they can thrive on a diverse diet that extends beyond vegetation.

In addition to plants, snails can be fed a variety of foods that provide vital nutrients for their growth and well-being. Snails need a source of calcium, such as crushed eggshells, to support their shell health.

Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes, can be offered as treats or supplements to their plant-based diet.

Snails also enjoy protein-rich foods like cuttlebone and commercial snail pellets.

Additionally, calcium-rich foods like crushed limestone or dark leafy greens can help support shell growth and development.

Are Snails Bad for Your Garden?

In gardens, snails can be a significant nuisance, leaving behind a trail of damaged plants and flowers.

They can cause extensive harm to your garden’s ecosystem, especially if left unchecked.

Snails are herbivores, and their voracious appetite for plant material can lead to the destruction of entire crops, flowers, and even trees.

They tend to target young, tender shoots and leaves, making them particularly detrimental to newly planted gardens. Additionally, snails can also spread plant diseases and pests, exacerbating the problem.

As they require a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients, they might be attracted to fresh fruits and vegetables in your garden, such as apples rich in vitamins and minerals.

In addition to the direct damage, snails can also alter the balance of your garden’s ecosystem. By consuming certain plants, they can create an environment conducive to weeds and other invasive species.

This can lead to a decline in biodiversity and an increase in maintenance efforts.

It is essential to take proactive measures to prevent snail infestations and protect your garden from these unwanted visitors.

How do I get rid of snails permanently?

Eliminate snail habitats by maintaining a tidy garden, as snails thrive in dark, damp environments.

Remove weeds, debris, and excess moisture that attract snails. Create a barrier around plants by surrounding them with copper tape, crushed eggshells, or sharp gravel, which snails find difficult to cross.

Traps can be an effective way to remove snails.

Bait traps with beer, yeast, or lettuce, and place them in areas where snails are most active. Another option is to hand-pick snails, especially after rainfall or at night when they are most active.

Drop the collected snails into soapy water to kill them.

Biological control methods involve introducing natural predators, such as toads, hedgehogs, and ground beetles, which feed on snails.

Organic pesticides containing ferric phosphate can also be used to control snail populations. By combining these methods, you can effectively get rid of snails permanently and protect your garden from their damage.

Conclusion

Snails are significant pests in gardens, causing an estimated 20% of crop damage annually. To mitigate their impact, it is essential to understand their behavior, habitat, and diet, and employ effective control methods.