15 Garden Plants That Repel Pests Naturally
Using plants that repel pests naturally is an effective and eco-friendly way to protect your garden from unwanted insects. Here are 15 garden plants known for their pest-repelling properties:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Repels mosquitoes and flies while enhancing the growth of tomatoes and peppers.
Lavender (Lavandula spp.): Deters mosquitoes, moths, and flies. It also attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Marigold (Tagetes spp.): Repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes. French marigolds are especially effective
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Keeps away mosquitoes, carrot flies, and cabbage moths.
Mint (Mentha spp.): Repels ants, aphids, and cabbage moths. Plant in containers as mint can be invasive.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.): Contains pyrethrins, natural insecticides that deter a wide range of pests.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Repels mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches. Attracts cats, so consider its placement carefully.
Dill (Anethum graveolens): Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings while repelling aphids and spider mites.
Petunia (Petunia spp.): Repels aphids, tomato hornworms, and squash bugs.
Garlic (Allium sativum): Deters aphids, slugs, and carrot flies. Plant near roses and raspberries for added protection.
Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus): Acts as a trap plant, attracting aphids away from other garden plants.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): Repels aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles.
Thyme (Thymus spp.): Repels cabbage worms and whiteflies.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Deters aphids and slugs but can be invasive, so consider planting it in containers.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Repels mosquitoes and acts as a trap plant for aphids.
Interspersing these pest-repelling plants throughout your garden can help protect your crops from pests while also adding beauty and diversity to your landscape. Remember that some of these plants might have specific requirements or growing conditions, so it’s essential to research each plant’s needs before incorporating them into your garden.
