Slugs and snails are notorious for damaging gardens, especially during the warmer months, targeting a variety of plants including fruits like strawberries and tomatoes. Gardening expert Monty Don advises against using chemical slug pellets, recommending instead a range of wildlife-friendly methods to protect plants. He suggests creating a small slug-free area for young plants and checking for slugs daily. To promote stronger growth, gardeners should feed the soil rather than the plants, avoiding excessive soft growth that attracts slugs. Encouraging natural predators such as thrushes, frogs, and hedgehogs can also help control slug populations. Additionally, using sharp barriers like crushed eggshells or gravel around plants can deter slugs from climbing. Don also highlights the benefits of companion planting, where slug-resistant plants like roses and ferns are grown alongside more vulnerable seedlings. Aromatic herbs, particularly mint and chives, can be effective companions to deter slugs, making it easier for gardeners to maintain healthy crops.