Tired of slugs, caterpillars and other notorious pests destroying your garden crops? If so, a gardening expert has identified four herbs she claims will deter those creatures from causing more damage.
Chloe Taylor, known as WildlyChlo on social media, took to TikTok to advise that she has planted these herbs all over her growing beds on her allotment space, and is now reaping the benefits. “If you want to protect your garden from pests, then grow these four herbs,” she began in a video.
Sage
“This herb grows really well near brassicas – so things like cabbages, kale and broccoli,” Chloe said, before revealing she has planted it near her carrots. “I’ve actually got two types of it growing on the allotment.
Adding an old wives’ tale to her recommendation, she also enthused: “Apparently if you dry it, it will also ward away the evil spirits!”
Thyme
Next on Chloe’s list is thyme, something she claims grows really well near tomatoes and aubergines. “This is because it has a potent smell that helps to deter the pests that disturb these plants,” she explained.
Meanwhile, a “bonus” of thyme is that it attracts many “beneficial insects” due to the flowers it gives off.
Lavender
Chloe joked that whilst lavender “may remind you of your nan’s knickers drawer”, and is mostly used as a “pretty border plant”, it is also useful when placed amongst cabbages, leeks and carrots.
“Again it attracts lots of bugs that help to pollinate these crops who will eat any pests that are eating your plants,” the expert added.
Chives
Closing Chloe’s list is chives – another herb that grows well near carrots as well as strawberries and tomatoes. If you are in a hurry, or perhaps a gardening novice, she advised: “While you can plant all of these from seed, I’m a big fan of just going to the supermarket and buying those potted herbs.
“Then you can split them up fairly easily and dot them around your growing space in the ground – or in pots.”
Praising Chloe’s tips, one TikTok user responded: “Love this! Honestly feel like the BBC is missing out on a food/gardening show for us millennials.” A second person agreed, asking: “Why you not on Clarkson’s Farm?”
To which Chloe admitted: “I would actually love that!”
When it comes to deterring pests, the RHS notes: “The arrival of new pests and diseases in the UK is linked to the rise in the volume and diversity of plants being imported. Changes in climate, especially warmer winters, may also enable more pests and diseases to become established in our gardens.”
It adds: “Keeping an eye out for pests and diseases means that problems are more likely to be noticed early and before they cause serious damage. Early detection is also likely to mean that the problem is easier to control.”
