12 Best Plants That Keep Bugs Out of Your Garden
August 8, 2024If you’re a gardener, you are well aware of the amount of damage insects can do to plants. If you’ve experienced this damage, you may be looking for a solution willing to do anything to protect your vegetables and other plants. Here are some of the best plants that keep bugs out of your garden:
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular herb used for tea and is the name used to describe a few plants that look like small daisies. Planting chamomile can keep mosquitos away from your living area but they also attract insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, both of which like to snack on aphids. Chamomile also attracts honey bees, which is great if you want to create a pollinator garden!
Plant your chamomile near any cauliflower, onion, and bean plants. It can also find a good home with any kale, cabbage, cucumbers, or broccoli plants. You can also grow it close to other herbs like basil.
2. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the popular herbs for those who want to start an herb garden. It’s also a favorite among gardeners looking to keep pesky bugs and mosquitoes out of their gardens. Rosemary has a strong scent that can repel carrot flies and cabbage worms, along with the Mexican bean beetle.
Rosemary’s strong smell actually can mask the vegetables’ scents so it’s very challenging for the bugs to find the plants. Rosemary is an effective companion plant that helps hide carrots and beans from pests. You can also plant it near beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli. It can be planted near kale, brussels sprouts, and root vegetables.
3. Mint
While mint is recommended as one of the plants to never grow in your garden, it is effective at warding off bugs. Because mint tends to grow very aggressively thanks to its invasive root systems, it often becomes unwieldy.
However, if you still want the mint to keep bugs at bay, there are some creative ideas for new planters to plant mint in. Using a planter will contain the roots and prevent the mint from growing out of control. You can also cut them off at the stem and place them near any plants you want to protect. Place pots of mint near tomatoes, broccoli, eggplant, and any lettuce varieties.
4. Petunias
There are lots of colorful summer garden flowers to plant in your garden. But if you want a flower to match any color palette or aesthetic that also is a bug deterrent, try planting petunias. Petunias come in nearly any color, including black and even a galaxy pattern! Petunias are effective at repelling squash worms, a variety of aphids, tomato worms, and other pests.
5. Nasturtium
Including bold, colorful flowers in your garden is a popular garden trend and the colorful nasturtium is also good at keeping pests away. This edible flower can repel squash bugs, several types of beetles, and aphids. Nasturtium flowers produce a chemical that, when released into the air, repels insects.
6. Lavender
Lavender is a popular herb you find in Zen gardens and is used in many different applications like fragrances, baking, and decor. However, its fragrant and pleasant smell can help keep away mosquitoes, flies, and fleas.
Not only is this plant good for your garden, but it’s also nice to have it planted in any area you entertain. Lavender does well in hot and dry weather, perfect for the height of summer gardening and entertaining.
7. Basil
Most famously known for its use in making pesto and Mediterranean cooking, basil can repel beetles and other bugs. It will also attract bees, butterflies, and insects that will be good for your garden.
Basil likes full sun and well-drained, moist soil. Plant it near tomatoes, asparagus, and lettuce. There are also many ways to use garden herbs in your home outside of just cooking, and basil can be beneficial whether you’re growing it inside or out, or both.
Basil is also one of the best houseplants for your kitchen. It offers easy cooking access and will fill your kitchen with that lovely basil scent. Plus, just like it keeps bugs out of your garden, it can deter bugs inside, too!
8. Catnip
If you have a cat, you’re probably familiar with the euphoric or calming effects of catnip on cats. However, catnip is quite useful in repelling insects from your garden. This plant can deter aphids, beetles, weevils, and squash bugs.
Catnip thrives in dry climates and tolerates drought quite well. It’s a great companion plant for cabbage, cucumbers, and roses. And, if you have a cat, they will love the extra benefit of more catnip!
9. Marigold
Some people may find the fragrance of marigolds unpleasant. However, so do mosquitoes, wasps, and hornets. This fact alone makes marigolds a good pick for any garden. Plant these brightly colored flowers around your vegetable garden beds to attract butterflies and bees but drive off unwanted pests looking to munch on your fresh vegetables. Marigolds like to be in full sun or partial shade and in good-draining soil.
10. Chives
Used in cooking and as a garnish, this mild onion-like herb is another great bug deterrent. They keep Japanese beetles and aphids out of your garden while attracting valuable pollinators. Chives are good companion plants to tomatoes, carrots, cabbage, and strawberries.
11. Garlic
With its strong smell, it’s no wonder garlic would be effective at repelling unwanted insects. Garlic can deter aphids, cabbage loopers, and Japanese beetles. Plant garlic in well-draining soil in full sun.
To keep garlic fresh long-term, cure it by drying it in a cool area away from sunlight. Make sure it has plenty of circulation and let it dry for up to 5 weeks. Store in a dry place at room temperature and enjoy fresh garlic all year long!
12. Geranium
Getting rid of pests like slugs or snails is a useful summer garden tip. However, you may have struggled with a way to get humanely rid of them. Thankfully, some plants naturally repel these unwanted guests.
And, many of the best plants to keep bugs out of your garden play well with other plants common to home gardens. Geraniums can keep slugs and snails at bay thanks to their strong-smelling foliage. They are tolerant of many conditions, making them a reliable plant to have in your garden.
These are just a few of the best plants that keep bugs out of your garden. If you’re looking for more gardening inspiration for your custom home, consider these custom home landscaping ideas to create your dream backyard! And if you’re ready to get started on your own custom home, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!