13 Common Garden Plants That Attract More Pests Than You Think
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Vibrant flowers, luscious fruits and thriving veggies are what gardeners dream about. But many are blissfully unaware that some of the most popular plants in their garden can inadvertently become pest magnets. Picture this: You’ve put in the work to grow your garden, only to discover it overrun with aphids, spider mites, or some other nasty critter. It can seem like a horror movie: your once peaceful sanctuary is now a pest nightmare.
This article will be a lighthearted stroll through common garden plants that attract more pests than you’d think. Start putting on your gardening gloves and let’s go!
Zucchini
Many gardeners love to grow zucchini, a beloved summer squash. This prolific plant, however, is a magnet for squash bugs, cucumber beetles and other pests. If you are lucky enough to have a bumper crop of zucchini, you may also be fighting a constant battle against these intruders. Keeping an eye out will help keep your squash from becoming a buffet for pests.
Cucumbers
Summertime favorite, cucumbers, also come with their own set of challenges. They may look great on your plate, but they tend to attract aphids, beetles and spider mites. If left unchecked, these pests will quickly decimate a cucumber plant. Companion planting with pest resistant species will help keep your cucumbers healthy.
Basil
Basil is a must have herb in most kitchens, but it can also attract pests such as aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. These little nuisances can make your lovely basil plants go from lush to sad and droopy. By keeping an eye on your basil and using natural pest control methods you can ensure your basil remains healthy and abundant.
Peppers
Hot peppers and bell peppers can add some heat to your dishes, but they can add some heat to your pest problems as well. Aphids, spider mites and thrips are often attracted to these plants. These pests can turn your pepper plants into their next meal, so a well timed inspection can prevent this. Early on make sure to monitor for any signs of infestation.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a delicious addition to any garden, but they also come with their fair share of pest problems. Root-knot nematodes and sweet potato weevils often are attracted to these tubers. If you’re intending to grow sweet potatoes, then get your soil ready and look for signs of pests before you plant.
Lavender
Lavender is famed for not only its soothing fragrance but also for its lovely lilac (or purple) flowers. Don’t let that calming scent fool you, this popular herb can also attract whiteflies and aphids. Its aroma is pleasant to humans, but it also attracts unwanted visitors who will happily take a free meal. Checking your lavender plants regularly will help keep those pesky critters away.
Snap Peas
Crisp and sweet, snap peas are a favorite, but they can also draw aphids and pea weevils. These pests can drain life from your plants and leave you with less than desirable harvests. Snap peas can be a very productive crop, but you’ll need to keep an eye on them and take pest control measures to enjoy a bountiful crop.
Sunflowers
They are a happy addition to any garden, but can also become a hangout for all sorts of pests. They are sometimes visited by aphids, beetles and caterpillars. It’s a joy to see sunflowers dancing in the wind, but they should be watched for pest activity that could detract from their beauty.
Hostas
Hostas are a common garden choice because they are known for their lush foliage, their shade tolerance. They too can attract slugs, snails and aphids and the leaves become a buffet. If you want to keep your hostas looking good, you might want to use barriers or natural deterrents to keep the slimy offenders away.
Mint
Mint is a beloved plant for its refreshing flavor, but it has a reputation for attracting the pests like aphids and spider mites. It can also grow vigorously invasively if not kept in check. If you decide to grow mint, keep an eye on it, and prune the plants regularly, and you should be able to keep these pests from overrunning your garden.
Tomatoes
Classic garden tomato, ah. This is a favorite of many gardeners, and is a culinary delight, but it can also bring its share of trouble. Aphids, hornworms and spider mites love tomatoes. If left unchecked, these pests can be a real headache for your plants and can result in a less than stellar harvest. A good way to keep an eye out for signs of infestation before it causes you much grief is to inspect your precious crop.
Marigolds
Marigolds are often touted as pest deterrents, but they can also attract a few unwelcome visitors of their own. These are big bold flowers that attract aphids and nematodes. This is rich irony; gardeners plant marigolds to keep pests away, only to discover that they’ve inadvertently paved the way for others. The situation can be kept in check with regular maintenance and monitoring.
Roses
Every garden needs roses as they are the epitome of garden beauty, but their appeal is also to pests like aphids, spider mites, and Japanese beetles. They’re also attractive to these critters, and it’s the very blooms that make them so. Enjoy your roses to the fullest, and if you look after them regularly and at the first sign of trouble, you will have maximum roses for minimum work.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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