Whether it’s mosquitoes, flies, or even the dreaded aphids, unwelcome guests often arrive after winter and can quickly turn your thriving garden into a buffet. The good news is, you don’t have to resort to harmful chemicals to keep them at bay if you just add a few key plants to your usual lineup. Gardening expert Liam Cleary of Old Railway Line Garden Centre has the perfect natural solution to protect your plants and keep pests at arm’s length.
Cleary explained: “Pests are an unavoidable part of gardening, but there are plenty of ways to protect your plants, and your hard work, without relying on chemical deterrents.” According to Cleary, fragrant herbs such as lavender and basil are particularly effective at keeping unwanted pests away.
He added: “Their strong aroma overwhelms pests’ sense of smell, discouraging them from sticking around in search of food.”
Not only does this help safeguard your garden, but it also reduces environmental pollution by cutting down on the need for insecticides.
Five plants that are guaranteed to discourage pests from lingering in your garden:
Lavender: A favourite for its calming aroma among humans, lavender is anything but relaxing for mosquitoes, flies, and other pests. They find the scent overwhelming, making it an effective natural repellent.
To grow it, plant lavender in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and avoid overwatering as it thrives in dry conditions.
Basil: Basil is an excellent option for keeping mosquitoes away. It contains volatile compounds that disrupt mosquitoes’ ability to detect targets, sending them elsewhere in search of food.
“Plant basil in a sunny spot with well-draining soil,” Cleary advised, adding that starting it indoors and transplanting it in early summer can help it thrive.
Rosemary: This woody herb not only enhances your cooking but also protects your garden from pests. Rosemary’s strong scent makes it unappealing to many insects. For the best results, plant rosemary in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and water sparingly to prevent root rot.
Mint: Mint’s strong menthol aroma is disliked by many pests, making it an ideal addition to any garden.
“Insects find its strong menthol scent extremely unpleasant, which discourages them from landing on any nearby plants,” said Cleary.
Mint thrives in full or partial sun, and it appreciates moist soil, so make sure to water well after planting.
Catnip: Known for its effect on cats, catnip also has a powerful deterrent effect on pests. It contains nepetalactone, a chemical that causes a stinging sensation in insects, driving them away.
To grow catnip, choose a sunny spot and plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Prune occasionally to encourage growth and keep the plant healthy.