Coffee Grounds, Eggshells, and the Quest for Plant Protection

With the arrival of spring, many individuals across the UK have been tending to their gardens and allotments over the Easter weekend. A common frustration for gardeners is the presence of snails, known for their appetite for plants. Despite the annoyance they cause, snails are not classified as pests due to their positive contribution to biodiversity.

Gardening experts are now suggesting the use of coffee grounds and eggshells as deterrents to protect plants from snails. A well-known method involves using broken eggshells, which create a coarse barrier that snails find difficult to traverse. This obstacle often discourages them from reaching the plants. Another popular method involves coffee grounds, which are believed to have a similar effect due to their smell and texture.

However, the effectiveness of these methods is debated. Some gardeners find them successful, while others do not. Experts at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggest that these barrier methods lack strong scientific support. They advise accepting the presence of snails as a normal part of the garden ecosystem. For those seeking to protect vulnerable plants, they recommend managing snail populations through traps or biological control methods.