Slugs and Snails and Dahlias

[Dog Rose]

We have a rather large slug problem in the area, and for some reason the conditions are great for them. I can't use chemical controls because of pets and wildlife, so last year I ended up doing pest control by walking around snipping off any stems I saw with eggs on them and getting rid of them. In general it is a really big problem in the area.

I've had some luck planting Allyssum borders around my plants, since they don't seem to like it, but the problem is Dahlias. If I plant Dahlias, it doesn't matter whether I use salt or plant Allyssum, the poor plants are quickly chewed down to ground level. I even caught the slugs going after some in a hanging basket!

I really love Dahlias, but unless I can solve the slug problem, I don't think I am going to be able to grow them here.
Does anyone have any advice that might help? I'm getting ready for this year planting, and I don't want my plants chewed to ribbons again!

 

[Greenhorn]

Here is a thread that might help.

https://www.gardening-forums.com/threads/best-way-to-keep-slugs-out-of-garden.7082/