More of us are tending to our gardens now that the weather is warming up, but presenter and expert warns that feeding your plants incorrectly can cause severe damage.

As the days get longer and lighter, it’s becoming clear that our gardens could use some TLC after a long winter. One of the best ways to spruce up your outdoors is by planting bright . Not only will this help attract butterflies and certain birds, it will also make your home appear more welcoming. Although, be cautioned: it will also attract some unwanted bugs too. Slugs are one of the UK’s most prevalent pests and are known to munch away on all kinds of plants.

In fact, there are approximately 40 species of slug in the UK. They vary in size and can take on different hues, ranging from a snot green to a muddy brown. Even if you don’t think there are any roaming around your garden, you’d be surprised. According to some estimates, there could be up to different slugs and snails in your garden.

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Slugs typically live underground and enjoy moist, damp conditions. That’s why it’s more common to spot them out and about on rainy days. More than being gross to look at, they pose a serious threat to your garden. They like to eat everything from ornamental flowers like dahlias and fruits such as strawberries.

However, there are steps you can take to protect your plants from the slimy food-stealers. One of the most important tips is to be careful how you are feeding your plants. Monty advises in his : “Do not feed plants any more than is absolutely necessary and always feed the soil not the plant. This will avoid a spurt of soft, sappy growth that slugs love.” He continues: “Without stressing them with sudden temperature or cultivation changes, grow your plants as ‘hard’ as possible which means do not mollycoddle them.” Another tip is to grow your plants in a cold frame. This is a type of box that will keep slugs and other unwanted visitors at bay, allowing your plants to prosper in peace.

Alternatively, you can also grow them in plant boxes on a table. This will help keep them out of reach from the slithery creatures.As tempting as it may be, Monty warns gardeners to refrain from using chemicals like slug pellets to get rid of them. This is because you risk harming other wildlife.

You can also rest assured that slugs have plenty of natural predators, too. Encouraging hedgehogs, thrushes, frogs and shrews to stay in your garden can help cut down on their numbers.