Slugs are a gardener’s nightmare, munching through plants and leaving unsightly holes. They become even more of a menace in autumn, their breeding season.

These pests can decimate flowers and weaken plants, leaving gardens vulnerable when the harsh winter weather arrives. They’re also a nuisance for gardeners preparing for spring by planting bulbs or sowing seeds.

In cooler climates, a single slug can lay up to 400 eggs during its breeding season, so it’s crucial to act swiftly if you suspect these critters are feasting on your foliage.

While some slug damage is inevitable – no garden can be entirely pest-free – there’s a simple, cost-effective way to deter slugs that don’t involve harsh chemicals.

Gardening guru David Domoney has years of experience battling slugs. In an online video, he shares his top tips for keeping slugs at bay.

One sure-fire way to deter slugs involves a bit of elbow grease but promises a less pest-ridden garden. Planting allium vegetables like garlic, onions, leeks and chives can repel slugs as they’re highly toxic to them. Without a food source, slugs will likely seek a new home.

David suggested: “Plant in some plants. Chive for instance planted on some of the borders. This produces allion which, if eaten by slugs and snails, can be very toxic.”

Not only are they a good pest control, but allium vegetables are very hardy and can be planted in autumn before the first frost.

Sprinkling coffee grounds around your garden is another natural way to keep slugs away. Slugs are sensitive to certain smells and the strong fragrance of coffee will discourage slugs from staying in your garden.

Coffee grounds can attract insects such as earthworms into your garden which will loosen soil and help keep plants fertile. It can also keep other plant-destroying animals away such as ants and cats.

However, it should be noted that this method must be applied often as coffee is water soluble, meaning it will be washed away when it rains.

David said: “This last thing can be quite pungent and isn’t a plant at all although it used to be, and that’s coffee grounds. 

“By sprinkling coffee grounds at least 12 inches from your plants, don’t put it right up to your plants, just around the outside, it will act as a deterrent.

“Not just for the fact that slugs and snails are scared of it that it will be something that will try them out but also the fragrance that it gives off deters them too.”