Create a barrier
In hot weather the slugs and snails hide away to conserve moisture, which may allow plants to get ahead. But when rain does finally arrive, they emerge ravenous and will devour anything in their path. I try to grow plants big and strong before planting out so they’ll withstand a certain amount of attack, but protecting them for a couple of extra days while they get settled can be useful. A barrier of coffee grounds is hit and miss I find, but sharp grit helps, as do felt pellets from www.chimneysheep.co.uk. When given a choice between a spiky, scratchy surface and cool soil, a hungry slug will always take the easy option!