Slug Watch 2010

Friday date night in the Caruso household: Put the baby to bed, strap on a headlamp, tug on some boots, and trek on down to the field to seek and destroy slugs. All in the name of protecting our lettuce, broccoli and cabbage. Slugs hide out under weeds and soil during the day and come out in the cooler temps of nightfall to feast on our hard work, so it's the best time to catch them. There are many theories and practices devoted to keeping slugs at bay, but when you have very long rows, it proves too much to put copper around them and slug bait is a no-no. We have trapped them under boards before, but this spring we're trying to get the baby slugs before they are grown. We know-we live in the northwest. We won't eradicate them. But sometimes it's fun to try, and hey- it makes an interesting date.