A list of 23 plants that naturally repel pests to consider growing in your garden this spring
Spring has sprung, and it's time to take back your garden from those pesky bugs without resorting to harsh chemicals. Here's a list of fantastic plants that not only beautify your yard but also help keep the creepy crawlies at bay – all while being friendly for the little gardeners and furry friends running around.
1. Basil Basil, with its robust scent, drives away mosquitoes and flies, making your garden a cozy haven for your whole family. This versatile herb thrives in sunny spots with moist, well-drained soil and makes an excellent addition to a range of garden sizes.
2. Rosemary Rosemary's perfume is irresistible to humans and a pest-free zone for mosquitoes, beetles, and moths. This hardy herb loves the sun and performs best in drier soil, making it a worry-free addition to any garden. Grow it in pots or the ground, and watch it transform into decorative hedges.
3. Sage Sage's earthy smell and textured leaves keep cabbage moths and carrot flies at bay – all while being safe for the entire family. This drought-tolerant plant thrives best in sunny, well-drained spots, adding color and texture to your garden.
4. Mint In a world full of bugs, mint reigns supreme, repelling ants, mosquitoes, and aphids. Plus, its refreshing scent offers a fun sensory experience for young gardeners. Grow mint in containers to control its rapid spreading and provide an easy option for those with limited garden space.
5. Lemon Balm This cheerful herb emits a citrusy aroma that natural mosquito repellents. It's completely safe for pets and family members (although it may cause minor stomach upset if ingested in large amounts) and prefers part shade with moist, rich soil.
6. Catnip Catnip, a favorite of cats, is also a bug's worst nightmare. Its active compound, nepetalactone, effectively repels biting insects. Catnip is safe for kids and dogs, offering some peace of mind in your garden plan.
7. Thyme Thyme deters whiteflies, cabbage worms, and flies with its powerful scent. A low-growing herb, thyme doubles as a ground cover or edging plant and is safe for all members of the family, including your furry friends.
8. Dill Dill is a popularity magnet for ladybugs while keeping aphids and tomato hornworms at bay. This feathery herb is easy to grow from seed and thrives in a sunny, light soil environment, near veggies like tomatoes and cabbage.
9. Oregano Oregano confuses pests like beetles and flies with its powerful scent, keeping them at a distance. This robust herb is easy to grow, thriving in full sun and minimal watering, making it a valuable addition for any family garden.
10. Marigold Marigolds chase away aphids, mosquitoes, and even rabbits with their delightful aroma. Low-maintenance annuals, marigolds bloom all season long in sunny spots – creating a cheery shield for your veggie garden.
11. Calendula Calendula, with its sticky resin, captures pests like beetles and hornworms while offering pets and children a harmless interaction. Grow it in full sun and rich soil, taking advantage of its bright blooms from spring to fall.
12. Nasturtium Nasturtium's spicy scent drives away whiteflies, squash bugs, and aphids. This vibrant flower is safe for kids and pets and thrives in poor soil with full sun. Plant it near your vegetables as a protective ring, filling your borders with brilliant orange, red, and yellow hues.
13. Petunia Petunias are a sweet gift for your family garden – their flowers repel aphids, hornworms, and squash bugs while providing an aromatic barrier for your veggies. Grow these vibrant annuals in containers, hanging baskets, or garden beds for continuous blooms.
14. Bee Balm Bee Balm, with its strong fragrance, deters mosquitoes and draws beneficial bees and butterflies. Safe for pets and children, this perennial flower offers a beautiful touch of color while keeping pests at bay.
15. Beautyberry This native shrub delivers purple berries and wards off mosquitoes and ticks while providing a tasty treat for birds. Beautyberry grows best in partial shade to full sun with average moisture, adding structure to your yard and serving as a natural bug repellent.
16. Lavender Lavender's calming fragrance repels flies, moths, and mosquitoes, creating a peaceful outdoor space for the entire family to enjoy. Be cautious with lavender around pets, as excessive consumption may lead to stomach upset.
17. Borage Borage's star-shaped blue flowers help deter tomato hornworms and cabbage worms while attracting bees and helpful hoverflies. This edible herb grows easily in full sun and average soil, adding a splash of whimsy to your garden.
18. Cilantro Cilantro's aroma repels potato beetles and aphids, making it an ideal companion for your vegetable garden. Kids and pets can safely interact with this herb, and it's widely used in cooking.
19. Fennel Fennel drives away aphids, slugs, and snails while offering attractive fronds and yellow flowers. It's completely safe for kids and pets and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
20. Lemongrass Lemongrass is a natural mosquito repellent due to its high citronella content. Grow this tropical grass in full sun and warm temperatures, both kids and pets will enjoy its lemon-scented leaves and tall, grassy stalks.
21. Parsley Parsley isn't only a decorative garnish – it's also a potent pest deterrent. Feathery fronds of parsley help keep aphids at bay while attracting helpful hoverflies, which feed on harmful pests. Safe for children and pets, parsley thrives in full sun and moist, well-drained soil.
22. Chives Chives deter aphids, mites, and Japanese beetles, all while adding a touch of elegance to your garden. Kids and pets can enjoy watching their hollow leaves sway in the breeze, and this edible herb can be harvested for cooking.
23. Bay Laurel Bay Laurel's aromatic leaves repel flies, moths, and mosquitoes. While safe for pets in moderation, ingestion in large amounts may cause stomach upset. This evergreen shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
With a diverse range of child-friendly and pet-friendly plants, enjoy a vibrant, bug-free garden that is a haven for your family and furry friends alike. Mix and match these herbs and flowers to create a unique ecosystem that invites beneficial insects and deters pests. Rock on to a healthier, more beautiful outdoor space!
Incorporating plants such as basil, rosemary, sage, mint, and lemon balm into your lifestyle can help create a garden that is not only fashionable and beautiful but also family-friendly and pest-free. These herbs, like calendula, nasturtium, petunia, bee balm, and beautyberry, not only beautify your home and garden but also ward off common pests, from mosquitoes to squash bugs. With the addition of these plants, you are not only improving your home's overall aesthetic appeal, but you are also contributing to a healthier, friendlier, and more sustainable garden.
