Non-Toxic Solutions: Copper Kitchen Scrubbers

Here's Hugh, unravelling a common copper kitchen scrubber, and cutting it into loops for a non-toxic slug-deterrent. Slugs won't cross copper--the copper reacts with slugslime and delivers a little slug-sized shock. You don't want to use commercial edible slug baits, which also attract four-legged friends like Dora here.

While I'm off getting acquainted with the perennials in this new-to-me garden, Hugh is busy constructing his extraordinary Squash-Mobilization System:

First, he constructed a pile of sod, compost, and manure and covered it with black plastic to retain heat and accelerate the composting process.

Then he cut holes in the top and planted squash starters, fitting them with their "slug-collars." By the time the leaves span the collars, the plants will be robust enough to survive slug attacks. Squash love warm growing conditions, so the heat generated by the pile and the black plastic in hot sun will amplify our North Shore summer.

In the meantime, take a moment to consider this rose...