When

Plants are at their most vulnerable when they are young and succulent, so the earlier that they are protected the better. For instance, we put Slug Rings around our beans when we sow the seeds, around the delphiniums before new spring growth starts, and around the hostas all the time.

How

Press the Slug Ring into the soil around the plant. Make sure that:

* there are no slugs or snails trapped inside. Have a good root around to be certain, because they won't be able to get out. In the first few days check that you didn't miss any.

* the rings are scrunched into the soil a little way to leave no gaps underneath for a slug to sneak through. Wet the soil first if it is too hard.

* there are no leaves overhanging the ring and touching the soil to make a bridge for slugs and snails to cross.

* foliage doesn't overhang the ring from outside, allowing snails to abseil in.

To take the Slug Ring off a climber or a plant which has grown very bushy, rotate the ring to a convenient position, pull the join apart and open the ring to clear the plant. Then gently and firmly push the join back into place. (I find it easier to put one corner of the tongue in first).

If you need a bigger ring you can open two large rings, bend them to a larger diameter, and join them nose to tail.

After a few weeks exposure to weather, especially rain, Slug Rings take on a brown patina to blend comfortably into your garden. Slug Rings are equally effective whether they are shiny and new, with a brown patina, or even ancient green.