Top 5 Plants to Naturally Repel Snails from Yard

Snails can be fascinating to observe in your backyard, contributing to nutrient recycling and soil health. However, they can become a nuisance when they start munching on your plants. Fortunately, like slug-repellent plants, there are several plants that naturally deter snails. By making careful planting choices, you can keep these leaf-munchers at bay.

Here’s a list of the best snail-repellent plants to help you protect your garden:

1. Ferns Ferns are great for creating a snail-repellent boundary due to their dense foliage, which makes it difficult for snails to bite through. “Ferns have tough leaves which snails don’t eat,” says Nicole Carpenter, President of Black Pest Prevention. Opt for varieties with thicker leaves to create an unfavorable environment for snails. Ferns generally grow well in US hardiness zones 4 to 8 and are suitable for shady areas.
2. Euphorbias Euphorbias are effective snail repellents. These evergreen shrubs have beautiful lime-green flowers and contain a milky sap called latex, which irritates snails. “The latex produced by euphorbias deters snails from eating them,” explains Jana McDaniel, garden expert and founder of First Saturday Lime. Euphorbias thrive in US hardiness zones 5 to 11.
3. Foxgloves Foxgloves are not only beautiful but also effective at deterring snails. Their toxic compound, digitalis, harms snails on contact. “Planting foxgloves around your garden creates a natural barrier that helps protect other plants from snails,” says Nicole. Foxgloves grow best in US hardiness zones 4 to 9 and can thrive in both sun and shade.
4. Rosemary Fragrant plants like rosemary are effective snail repellents. “Snails avoid rosemary due to its strong scent and tough leaves,” says Nicole. Planting rosemary around vulnerable plants can create a protective barrier. Rosemary varieties grow well in US hardiness zones 8 and 9 and are excellent companions for vegetable gardens.
5. Mint Mint, like rosemary, repels snails with its pungent scent. “The strong scent of mint masks the scents of food and predators, making the environment less appealing for snails,” explains Nicole. Mint grows well in US hardiness zones 3 to 8 and is a great addition to your herb garden.

In summary, to keep snails away, consider planting ferns, euphorbias, foxgloves, rosemary, and mint. These plants not only add beauty to your garden but also protect your other plants from snail damage.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Homes & gardens.