I'm trying used coffee grounds and some other stinky or dry stuff like lavender they (supposedly) don't like around the plants I can't cover up well. But the most effective strategy - by far - has been my weeding tool. I go around and simply split all slugs I see in half and do it every day and especially when it rains. Others around me are drowning in snails this spring - I have very little in comparison. Another thing I do is to collect all large snails (Weinbergschnecken) and put them out in strategic places where slugs lay their eggs. Snails eat their eggs. Or so the AI tells me 😅

My sympathies. I read your post and quickly ran outside into the rain to cover up my veggies with an old cold frame. Had put them into soil just hours ago but forgot the cover. So for what it's worth, you may have saved 20ish little cabbages, carrots and beets today :)