10 Plants That Will Keep Pests Away From Your Garden

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Keeping your garden pest-free can be a battle, but fear not. Mother Nature is at your disposal, with a plethora of plants to help discourage unwanted guests from hanging around the yard. A good choice of species can provide a natural barrier that repels insects and critters without harsh chemicals. It also benefits the ecosystem and allows your fruits, veggies, and flowers to grow happily without interruptions.

One simple and true way to do this is to incorporate pest-repelling plants into your garden plan. Some of the plants are both beautiful and functional, and this can improve the variety of types you are using in your landscaping. Picking the right plants will make for a happier garden with fewer pests suffocating your crop.

Marigolds

Marigolds have pretty, bright blooms and an intense smell that will send nematodes and other pests on the run. Their compounds are toxic to a few insects, making them the perfect friend for any garden. Place marigolds around veggies to act as all-natural pest repellents.

Lavender

While lavender has a great smell, moths, mosquitoes, and fleas hate it. This perennial plant deters stripped-same-time pollinators from the garden, although it attracts helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies. Add lavender to edges or walkways for scent and form.

Basil

Basil emits a pungent smell that prevents houseflies and mosquitoes from coming near your windows. It is also used in cooking, makes a good companion plant for tomatoes, and enhances their growth and flavor. Interplant your vegetables with basil for both protection and enhancement.

Mint

This plant is also effective as it repels ants and aphids, which will further help in your pest management. This rugged perennial spreads enthusiastically, so plant it in pots or seasonal beds. In addition to mint odors that refresh us, it works against pests.

Rosemary

Rosemary is very good for keeping mosquitoes and carrot flies away. It has woody branches with aromatic leaves and is great for lining a border or planting with other things on your property. As a bonus, you can grow rosemary in lush garden beds and containers.

Chives

The sulfur compounds in chives have a natural repellent action against aphids and Japanese beetles. These chives produce beautiful purple flowers with a mild onion flavor, and they are most popular with home gardeners. To help deter pests, border your vegetable beds with chives or plant them throughout the garden.

Petunias

Other insects may find petunias beneficial; they serve as a natural pesticide that keeps away asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and tomato worms. Their bright flowers make them an arty garden attraction and a natural protector of harmful insects. Drop petunias among fruits for beauty and protection.

Garlic

The strong smell of garlic discourages even more pests, such as damaging aphids and spider mites. In addition to warding off pests, garlic pairs well with many types of food, making it a welcome addition to your garden. Plant garlic among your lettuce and spinach or amongst some of your other vegetables to help keep the pests from attacking more vulnerable neighbors.

Nasturtiums

The peppery scent of nasturtiums repels aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs. They can grow quite large and draw in beneficial insects (like pollinators) while also enclosing your pots with a beautiful display of color. This edible plant is a great addition to your salads.

Catnip

The essential aromatic oils in catnip make it more effective as a mosquito and cockroach repellent. Unlike humans, most garden pests shy away from this spicy addition to a veggie patch (reportedly familiar to all alley cats in the neighborhood). Grow catnip in a sunny spot so its fragrant foliage can be smelled throughout the garden.