Snails are a well-known plague on gardeners, blighting growth in their plots and proving a general pest. While they are not classed as pests, green-fingered garden enthusiasts may well want them kept away as they are famously prone to nibbling on plants.

Of course, it is important to avoid methods which could harm these creatures, such as using harsh chemicals as these can harm the soil in your garden as well as plants themselves. Now, experts have revealed a natural method to deter snails and preserve your garden’s growth. The family team at Thompson’s Plant & Garden Centres has decades of experience when it comes to managing these kinds of issues.

Started by David and Ursula Thompson in 1977, the business was originally run on a three-acre derelict orchard near Canterbury but has since grown to a number of locations including the company’s Christmas Tree Farm on the Isle of Wight.

Their two-ingredient hack to prevent snails feasting on your plants is simple and effective, using cupboard staples for an effective remedy.

They explain “one of the best ways” to deter snails is a solution of garlic and water, a method “backed by some of the most expert breeders and growers”, according to the Thompson’s website.

This natural concoction will turn away both snails and slugs without doing harm to the environment, a win for all involved.

Thompson’s recommends boiling two full bulbs of garlic in a saucepan of water, before squashing the bulbs to draw out as much juice as possible.

After this, pour the moisture through a sieve and dilute it using a two tablespoons to five litres of water ratio.

The optimal time to deploy the mixture is once a week and ideally after rainfall, when you can spray or water plants as required.

Other methods suggested on Thompson’s website include rough mulching as well as planting copper rings around the bases of new plants.

Whatever happens though, it is strongly recommended not to use pesticides as a snail deterrent because of the havoc this can wreak on wildlife.

The Royal Horticultural Society advise that slug pellets, even if they are organic, have been shown to have “negative effects” on garden wildlife.