When you’re trying to create a sustainable, resilient garden, pest control is often one of the biggest challenges. Chemicals can be harmful to your plants, soil, and the environment, but there’s a better way. By growing certain plants, you can naturally repel unwanted insects, attract beneficial ones, and help your garden thrive.
I’ve found these plants to be incredibly helpful in keeping pests at bay, while also contributing to the overall health of my garden. Let me show you how to use nature’s own defenses to keep your garden pest-free!
1. Marigolds
Marigolds are a gardener’s best friend when it comes to natural pest control. Their bright blooms not only add a splash of color to your garden, but they also release a scent that repels a wide range of pests, including aphids, mosquitoes, and nematodes. Plant them around your vegetable garden for extra protection, and they’ll help keep harmful insects away from your crops.
2. Lavender
Lavender’s calming scent is loved by humans, but it’s a different story for pests. The strong fragrance of lavender deters mosquitoes, moths, and flies. Not only does it keep your garden pest-free, but you can also harvest the lavender for use in your home. Plant it near doorways and windows to keep insects from sneaking inside.
3. Basil
Basil is a fantastic companion plant for many vegetables, especially tomatoes. It naturally repels flies, mosquitoes, and even tomato hornworms. By planting basil near your crops, you’ll protect them while also having fresh herbs on hand. Plus, basil’s fragrance adds a lovely aroma to your garden.
4. Mint
Mint is a powerhouse when it comes to pest control. It repels ants, fleas, and even rodents. Just be careful where you plant it, as mint spreads quickly and can take over your garden if not kept in check. Plant it in containers to control its growth while still benefiting from its pest-repelling properties.
5. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are an excellent trap crop for pests like aphids and caterpillars. These pests are drawn to nasturtiums, which means they’ll leave your other plants alone. Plant nasturtiums near vulnerable crops, and they’ll serve as a natural distraction. As a bonus, nasturtium flowers are edible and make a colorful addition to salads!
6. Rosemary
Rosemary’s strong scent makes it a great natural pest repellent. It’s particularly effective at deterring cabbage moths, carrot flies, and mosquitoes. This hardy herb thrives in sunny spots and can be grown in containers or directly in the ground. Its versatility and pest-repelling properties make it a must-have in any garden.
7. Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums contain a natural compound called pyrethrin, which is often used in organic insecticides. The flowers repel ants, roaches, ticks, fleas, and bedbugs. Plant them around your home’s foundation or throughout your garden to benefit from their natural insect-repelling powers while enjoying their vibrant blooms.
8. Catnip
Catnip is best known for making cats happy, but it’s also a strong mosquito repellent. In fact, catnip has been found to be even more effective than some chemical repellents! You can plant it around your garden to keep mosquitoes away, or dry the leaves to make your own bug-repelling sachets.
9. Garlic
Garlic is a natural deterrent for a wide range of pests, including aphids, slugs, and Japanese beetles. When planted near roses, tomatoes, and peppers, garlic helps protect these plants from harm. You can also create a garlic spray by steeping crushed garlic in water and spraying it on your plants for added protection.
10. Sage
Sage is another herb with pest-repelling superpowers. It’s effective against cabbage moths, carrot flies, and beetles. Sage can be grown alongside your vegetables or in containers, and it doubles as a flavorful herb for cooking. Its earthy aroma helps keep pests from attacking your crops.
11. Dill
Dill is a magnet for beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies, which feast on garden pests such as aphids and spider mites. At the same time, dill repels harmful pests like cabbage worms and squash bugs. Plant it near your cabbage, broccoli, and other brassicas to keep them safe from pests.
12. Petunias
Petunias are more than just pretty flowers—they’re natural insect repellents! They help deter a variety of pests, including aphids, beetles, and squash bugs. Plant petunias in pots or along the edges of your garden to keep these unwanted bugs at bay while enjoying their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms.
13. Fennel
Fennel attracts beneficial insects like parasitic wasps and ladybugs, which help keep pest populations under control. Its tall, feathery leaves also provide a habitat for predators that feast on aphids, caterpillars, and other harmful insects. Be cautious, though—fennel can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, so give it some space in the garden.
14. Thyme
Thyme is a great herb to grow if you’re dealing with cabbage worms or whiteflies. The strong scent of thyme helps to confuse these pests, keeping them away from your crops. This low-maintenance herb is easy to grow and can thrive in both garden beds and containers, making it a versatile addition to your garden.
15. Borage
Borage is an underrated plant when it comes to pest control. It attracts pollinators like bees while repelling pests such as tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. Its beautiful blue flowers also make it a lovely addition to any garden, and its leaves are edible too!
