Alan Titchmarsh, a renowned gardener, has shared his effective strategy for keeping slugs and snails away from plants, particularly hostas, which he describes as a 'five-star hotel' for these pests. He suggests using copper collars around emerging hosta shoots to deter slugs, as they reportedly dislike crossing the copper. This method is particularly useful during peak slug activity in April, May, September, and October. Titchmarsh notes that many gardeners use various methods to combat slugs, including sharp sand, grit, and crushed eggshells. He also recommends growing slug-resistant plants, such as Stachys byzantina (Lamb's Ear) and hardy geraniums, to minimize the risk of slug damage. For those who love hostas but struggle with slugs, he advises planting them in pots elevated on pot feet to create a gap beneath, making it harder for slugs to access them.