Tips from Olle Garden Bed: for Using Copper in Gardening

Most serious gardeners know what copper compounds can do to plants as fungicides and fungicides, but how about using copper to control slugs? The use of copper based pesticides provides a safe, non-toxic way to control soft, sticky pests, which will eat your vegetable fields and cause considerable leaf damage to ornamental plants. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.

Organic and sustainable gardeners know that the use of copper in gardening can drive away slugs and snails without introducing harmful chemicals into the landscape. There are copper barriers that are easy to buy, or you can try topically applying Bordeaux mixture to stop those chewing pests.

Use of copper in gardening

Copper compounds are interesting substances that release ions that are toxic to certain fungi and bacteria because they destroy proteins in plant tissues. This sounds like a bad thing, and its concentration is really high, but through careful application and management, copper can become an effective tool to fight against fusarium wilt, fungal problems and bacterial diseases.

In the mid-1800s, people accidentally found that the mixture of copper sulfate and lime was an effective deterrent to downy mildew on grape vines. Copper sulfate is easily soluble in water. When combined with lime that stabilizes copper, it can be safely used in plants without worrying about tissue damage.

The new formula using copper as fungicide uses a form that is not easy to dissolve and fix, and has less chance of causing damage to crops. Similarly, repeated experiments have found that copper based pesticides have certain control effects on slugs and snails. It is believed that contact with copper will react with insect mucus, produce something similar to electric shock and damage the nervous system.

Is copper safe for plants? Physical copper barriers will not cause significant harm to your garden, but should be used with caution when using sprayed copper formulations.

Form of copper for warhead control

The easiest form to use is the copper barrier. These are physical screens or foils made of copper, which you can erect vertically around the area to be protected. These can only protect beds or flower pots without slugs, including eggs.

To ensure that there are no snails or slugs in the fence in the area, please cover it with black plastic and let the solar energy "cook" any unwanted pests. Be sure to remove any plants before applying this treatment.

Another form of copper used against these invaders is the Bordeaux mixture. This is a mixture of copper sulfate and lime, which can be brushed on the wooden stems and trunks of plants to provide protection for up to a year. Use with care and follow the mixing and application instructions.

How to Use Copper based Pesticide Remedies

Copper barriers come in many forms. Copper tape or foil is applied around luggage, boxes and containers. Staple it vertically around the area to be included. The copper screen should be placed a few inches (5 cm) below the soil to prevent slugs and snails from digging holes under the screen. Buy a screen at least 4 inches (10 cm) wide.

To tie the trunks of trees and large shrubs, wrap foil or tape around the stems, leaving a few inches (7.5 cm) at both ends. Fix it with clamps and tighten it several times a year to let the trunk grow while still keeping the trunk covered with copper. Clean tarnished or dirty copper barriers with an vinegar solution and ensure their continued effectiveness.

The selection of these types of barriers can achieve lasting control and non-toxic safety, and prevent tissue damage to plants due to improper application of liquid formulations. To use Bordeaux solution safely, select a mixed solution and brush the treatment on the wooden stems of the plant 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) from the soil line. If white emulsion paint is added to the mixture, it will stick and last longer.

The copper solution may be the answer you are looking for in terms of good slug and snail control.