I've only been gardening "for real" about 9-10 years. I love it, and I've learned so much. For one thing, I've learned to make peace with creatures that formerly freaked me out------worms, snakes, bugs, even-----to some extent!-----groundhogs, rabbits,
and deer. But I've got an on-going issue with SLUGS!

I've heard/read various tips for dealing with them and have tried putting out beer (which I'm convinced must just draw more of them into the area, don't you think??), but what I wish I could understand is this: WHAT ECOLOGICAL PURPOSE DO THEY SERVE?

To the best of my knowledge and observation, even crows don't eat them (especially those huge gray ones, big as cigars sometimes------shudder!), so what is good about slugs? It would just help me to understand what they're good for (though I'll still have to kill them when they're eating my plants!).

Thanks for any comments and advice.