Slug proof

I have conclusive proof that wood chippings deter slugs.  I planted out my sunflowers, and around each one placed a circle of chippings.  Or so I thought.  A couple of days later I discovered one plant totally ragged from a slug attack.  That's when I discovered that I'd forgotten to put chippings round it. 

It was sad to see a young plant suffer, but it is good to know I have found an effective barrier for slugs. 

After a period of 24 hours continuous rainfall though there was evidence of slug damage on some of the plants, so I suppose chippings are slippery when wet. 

I plan to surround the beds in my long plot with it, but gradually, as I think I've rather overdone it lately with the barrowing of chippings.  They are surprisingly heavy, and I am inclined to forget that I have the build of a pixie.

Another problem I have with growing sunflowers in my plots is that the earth in a large part of it contains a fungus which attacks their roots, and then works its way up to the base of the flower head.  It makes the head droop sadly, and prevents it from developing.  It is a horrible thing to see happen to a sunflower, who love to turn their heads to the sun.  I have discovered though that if you leave them they do grow more flowers, and they don't seem to be affected in the same way.

This year I've experimented with planting rhubarb leaves around the root ball of each plant.  I've read that this is a way to prevent fungal diseases attacking potatoes, so I thought I would try it with sunflowers.  Time will tell if it works.