15 Low-Maintenance Plants That Keep Pests Away

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Pests in the garden are a frustration. They damage plants, cause disease, and ruin outdoor living opportunities. You may think of using chemical pesticides in your outdoor garden that can help, but they can harm the environment and your health.

The good news is that several plants naturally repel pests. These plants are very low-maintenance, so they are best for busy gardeners or those with little time.

Lavender

With its calming aroma and beautiful purple blooms, lavender is an old-fashioned favorite. It has medicinal properties, is rich in nutrients, and is a natural insect repellent. Besides smelling nice, lavender is known for its strong flavor, which also keeps many common garden pests away, like moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. Consider planting lavender around your outdoor seating areas as a natural way to deter these pests and pretty up your space.

Basil

Basil is also an ultimate all-in-one herb and works fantastic as a natural pest repellent. Its strong scent effectively keeps away flies, mosquitos, and other flying insects. The leaves contain essential oils poisonous to mosquito larvae, so it’s an excellent choice for water features like ponds or birdbaths.

Marigold

Marigolds come in a wide range of colors and need very little maintenance. Their unique smell repels many garden pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and cucumber beetles. Planting marigolds next to vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants can also help repel these pests.

Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums are more than pretty flowers; they help repel bugs naturally. They contain a compound called pyrethrum, commonly used in commercial pesticides. In addition, chrysanthemums are not toxic to humans or animals, making them a great environmentally friendly pest control solution.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant in the mint family that many cats enjoy. The exciting part is that this plant also repels mosquitoes! A study by the American Chemical Society found that catnip oil is ten times more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. Plant catnip to keep pesky mosquitoes away while attracting furry visitors.

Garlic

Garlic is not just for cooking; it also has natural pest-repellent properties. Its strong scent deters many pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage loopers. It also helps attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which prey on these pests.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a plant as hardy and beautiful as its rich flavor on the plate. Its strong fragrance effectively deters mosquitoes, flies, and moths. It also keeps bugs like carrots, rust flies, and bean beetles from feasting on vegetables, such as carrots and beans.

Mint

Another herb from the mint family, mint is a natural pest-repellent and an excellent companion plant. Its strong scent repels ants, aphids, and caterpillars. You can also plant mint in your garden, and not only will it keep pests away, but it will also give your flowers that fresh scent.

Petunias

Petunias are popular annuals known for their bright colors and low maintenance requirements. They also have natural insect-repelling abilities, particularly against squash bugs, potato beetles, and tomato hornworms. Plant petunias in baskets or containers near your vegetable garden for an effective pest control solution.

Sunflowers

Gardeners love sunflowers for their bright flowers and easy care. They are also naturally anti-pest, particularly aphids and whiteflies. If you want to spruce up your garden while keeping pests at bay, try planting sunflowers around the perimeter of your vegetable plot.

Nasturtiums

Nasturtium flowers are edible, have a peppery flavor, and can spice up any salad. These nasturtiums have insect-ridding properties (primarily of whiteflies, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles). Better yet, Plant nasturtiums near radishes, cucumbers, and squash to deter these pests from setting up camp.

Citronella Grass

Citronella is one of the best mosquito repellents. Its grass can keep mosquitoes at bay, and its essential oil is commonly used in candles and insect repellents. Growing citronella grass in your garden repels these disgusting bugs and gives it a tropical feel.

Sage

Sage is also an effective insect repellent. It has a powerful scent many pests hate, including cabbage moths and carrot flies. It can also be used to spice up your meals. Keep sage in the kitchen to prevent those nasty little bugs from coming in there, too.

Dill

Aside from being a staple in most kitchens, dill is a natural insect repellent. Its unique scent deters aphids, spider mites, and squash bugs. Parasitic wasps will also be drawn to your garden because of this plant, and they will rid your plants of unwanted pests. Pair dill with vegetables like cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes for pest protection.

Onion

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There are several reasons to plant onions around your vegetable garden: they can help protect the crops and are also an excellent garnish for food. Their strong scent deters pests like aphids, carrot flies, and cabbage loopers.