The surge in snail populations this spring has posed significant challenges for both hobby gardeners and professionals, leading to heavy losses among vegetable growers.
The notable increase in snails is attributed to the combination of a mild winter and a wet spring, creating optimal breeding conditions for these creatures. Pit Reichert, a gardener and co-founder of the Terra cooperative, estimates that around a quarter of vegetables have been affected by the snail infestation.
The impact has been particularly severe, with cauliflower crops entirely decimated by the voracious appetites of snails. Even after replanting efforts for courgettes and pumpkins, the persistence of snails continues to be a concern. Reichert notes that while slugs typically target young, vulnerable plants, snails are preferred by gardeners as they tend to feed on dead plant matter.
To combat the snail population, the Terra cooperative has employed an unconventional yet effective solution: Indian runner ducks. These ducks roam the gardens daily, devouring snails as they work alongside gardeners. With nine ducks currently deployed, Reichert believes there are enough snails this year to sustain double the number of ducks. However, concerns arise about the surplus of ducks if snail populations decline next year.
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