Five Plants for Pest Control for Your Vegetable Garden
Pest control is essential if you have a vegetable garden since those annoying little bugs are some of the biggest enemies of your plants, and can sometimes destroy everything in sight. The good news is that some plants can fight off these pests in a natural way.
Forget about pesticides and products that could harm the environment. Thanks to certain species, your garden will be in perfect condition.
The importance of pest control
When the weather’s hot, insects attack vegetable gardens. This is the time to take precautions to prevent them from spreading.
There are many ways to do this, but if you want to use the most ecological and respectful way for the environment, take a look at these five plants that can fight pests. By using them, your garden will stay healthy and beautiful.
This doesn’t mean that pests will never appear, but many bugs hate the colors and aromas of these particular plants.
Also, look into eco-friendly fungicides, as some work really well and you might have to use them.
Marigolds – a classic for pest control
When people talk about plants that repel garden pests, marigolds are a classic. They’re perennials, so you can enjoy their beauty all year round.
The aroma is unpleasant for aphids and whiteflies, so it’s recommended putting them at the perimeter of your vegetable garden to create a protective barrier.
Furthermore, the root secretes a substance that acts as a nematode repellent. This is something that can keep all those worms that are enemies of tomatoes, potatoes, or eggplants at bay.
Rosemary
Rosemary is one of those plants that doesn’t need much care and doesn’t need a lot of water. As if that weren’t enough, it’s an aromatic herb that you can use to season your recipes with.
Rosemary is one of the herbs that best repel pests, especially butterflies that attack carrots. Another thing in its favor is that it attracts pollinating insects, which is useful for making your garden prosper. You can find this plant at your local nursery.
Fresh mint pest control
Mint is another of everyone’s favorite aromatic. It has healing properties and, in summer, it’s a must-have in every foodie’s kitchen.
What you probably didn’t know is it repels ants and annoying aphids, which makes it essential for taking care of any vegetable or flower garden.
English marigolds – pest control with color
The Egyptians considered this
a miracle plant because of its many medicinal uses. In fact, it’s believed that it’s useful for taking care of sensitive skin, especially that of babies. Also, it’s said to have soothing properties.
It’s widely used in vegetable gardens because of its ability to repel aphids, whitefly, and nematodes. But, also, it attracts beneficial insects for your garden, like the hoverfly which is the aphid’s archenemy.
Cleansing with sage
Another of the most popular and good-smelling therapeutic plants is sage. Its fresh taste makes it perfect for preparing pasta, but it can also help digestive problems.
It’s surprisingly effective against whiteflies, carrot flies, and moths. So, don’t hesitate to plant it in your garden and enjoy its green leaves and purple flowers.
By the way, it’ll help repel annoying slugs too, who are so fond of eating everything they find in your vegetable garden.
In addition to acting as a barrier to some insects, these plants can also be used to season food and as a natural remedy.