Maintaining a chemical-free garden doesn’t mean sacrificing protection from pests. These 10 natural plants not only add beauty to your space but also serve as natural repellents, helping you enjoy your garden in peace.
1. Sweet Basil
a. Repelling Benefits
Rich in eugenol and linalool, basil deters mosquitoes, flies, aphids, and caterpillars.
b. Tips for Use
- Grow along garden borders or in balcony pots.
- Crush leaves to release essential oils.
- DIY spray: steep crushed basil in water and a dash of vodka or witch hazel.
2. Lavender
a. Repelling Benefits
Its scent repels mosquitoes, fleas, moths, and flies thanks to high linalool content.
b. Tips for Use
- Grow in sunny spots or pots.
- Dried flowers work great in anti-moth sachets.
- Use essential oil cautiously on skin.
3. Peppermint
a. Repelling Benefits
Menthol drives away ants, aphids, mosquitoes, and even rodents.
b. Tips for Use
- Plant in containers to control spread.
- Rub fresh leaves on doorframes or windowsills.
- Use in homemade sprays.
4. Rosemary
a. Repelling Benefits
Its pungent aroma deters mosquitoes, whiteflies, and garden snails.
b. Tips for Use
- Plant around vegetable beds or outdoor seating areas.
- Burn sprigs to repel mosquitoes during summer evenings.
5. Chrysanthemum
a. Repelling Benefits
Contains pyrethrins, effective against cockroaches, ants, ticks, and silverfish.
b. Tips for Use
- Perfect in beds or near sheds.
- Use dried flowers in pest-repelling sachets.
6. Garlic
a. Repelling Benefits
Fights aphids, mites, mosquitoes, and fungus gnats.
b. Tips for Use
- Plant among vegetables or flowers.
- Make garlic-infused spray for leaf treatment.
7. Petunias
a. Repelling Benefits
Naturally repel aphids, hornworms, and beetles.
b. Tips for Use
- Ideal for edging vegetable gardens or hanging baskets.
- Decorative and protective.
8. Lemon Balm (Melissa)
a. Repelling Benefits
The lemony scent repels mosquitoes and midges.
b. Tips for Use
- Grow in pots (it spreads easily).
- Use dried leaves in potpourri or as garden mulch.
9. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
a. Repelling Benefits
Nepetalactone repels mosquitoes and cockroaches more effectively than DEET in studies.
b. Tips for Use
- Grow in pots or herb beds.
- Crush leaves for DIY repellents.
10. Calendula (Marigold)
a. Repelling Benefits
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and nematodes.
b. Tips for Use
- Great for borders near vegetables.
- Flowers can be dried and powdered for repellents.
General Gardening Tips
- Mix plant types: Combine several repellent plants for layered defense.
- Use containers: Control invasive species like mint or lemon balm.
- DIY sprays: Infuse plants in water and alcohol for direct application.
- Companion planting: Pair with vegetables to deter pests naturally.
- Attract pollinators: Varied plantings invite helpful insects like ladybugs and bees.
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