Hanging out to avoid the slugs

One of the most effective ways to avoid damage from snails and slugs is to grow produce in places that they cannot easily reach.

Sector commentator Elspeth Thompson makes her comments in the online pages of the Daily Telegraph, using the example of strawberries in hanging baskets.

While not the most conventional form of garden to grow in such a container, she notes that a large one can hold as many as six plants.

Mrs Thompson explains that the basket will need to be watered regularly – potentially on a daily basis in warmer weather – as the design of the basket may leave the plants more prone to drying out.

She suggests that edible flowers can be grown alongside the strawberries to make the display even prettier, as well as providing garnish for fruit salads.

The BBC explains that plastic polytunnels and growing under glass have allowed the British strawberry season to become longer.