If you have a garden, you may be wondering how to repel garden pests. These insects are harmful to plants and can wreak havoc if not controlled. Luckily, there are several natural ways to get rid of them. Several plants and herbs are considered pest-resistant and can be used to create a pest-free garden.
Homemade compost
Compost is a great way to keep pests out of your garden. While most insects will stay away, certain types of organic matter attract pests. Fresh food scraps, fresh greens, and twigs and sticks will all attract insects. Brown organic matter, on the other hand, is less attractive to insects and is an excellent deterrent to keep them away. This type of organic matter includes dried leaves, sawdust, twigs, sticks, and plain paper without wax coating.
Compost is full of different types of organisms that will help your plants decompose. Some of these organisms are beneficial to your plants. For example, worms and maggots will burrow around in compost, helping it decompose faster. They will also excrete organic matter, providing more nutrients and fertility.
One way to keep insects out of your compost is to vacuum the material thoroughly. Using a vacuum will remove swarms of insects, but you will also be harming your compost material. In addition, you will also have to empty the vacuum bag several times a day. For best results, use a compost bin with a lid. This will lock in the heat from the compost and prevent pests from making it to your plants.
Another way to deter garden pests is to plant trap crops. Plants such as dill, calendula, and nettles are excellent trap crops. Once the pests are controlled, remove them from your plants. You can also make a compost pile from these plants. Just make sure that it is far away from the area where you’re growing plants.
Another way to deter pests is by using citrus peels. Citrus peels are known to repel digging animals. You can place them near where animals like to dig, or use them in your compost pile. This will help you keep pests away, and help your garden to grow better.
Herbs
Herbs are an effective way to repel garden pests. They can help keep flies and mosquitoes away and act as natural insect repellents. They are also a wonderful way to add flavor to your favorite dishes. Here are six herbs to use to keep your garden pest-free and your meals flavorful.
Sage is an excellent herb to repel carrot flies and cabbage moths. It’s an annual and can be difficult to intercrop, but it works well as a deterrent. Savory is another herb that can keep pesky insects at bay. It’s also good for repelling Mexican bean beetles and is easier to intercrop. Savory is an excellent deterrent and doubles as ground cover.
Basil can also repel insects, such as aphids and whiteflies. Plant basil near tomatoes and vegetables for added protection. Another great plant to keep pests away is dill. Dill will repel aphids and tomato hornworms. Chives, meanwhile, repels aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles.
Basil can also repel mosquitoes and houseflies. This plant can be grown in pots in front of kitchen and backdoor doors to keep gnats and mosquitoes at bay. Basil will also waft its scent into your house. Another plant to consider is lemon thyme. Its essential oil can be crushed to release repellent properties.
Basil is a powerful insect repellent and is an excellent addition to your garden. Basil can also be used as a pest-repellent spray. Basil leaves contain a powerful oil that helps to kill mosquito eggs. Basil can also be grown in pots around your patio or windowsill.
Vegetables
Insects are a common problem in gardens, and a variety of ways can help you repel them. One of the most effective ways is to use physical barriers. For example, you can place a copper ring around your plants to keep snails and slugs out. Other methods include a floating row cover, which can help keep cucumber beetles, squash vine borers, and cabbage loopers out. Insecticides are also useful in controlling pests, but you should always remove them as soon as your plants begin to flower. Insect netting can be used to protect your vegetables from caterpillars.
Planting beneficial insects in your garden is another way to deter pests. Various species of insects prefer different types of food and habitat, so it is important to plant different kinds of plants around the vegetables. Beneficial insects will eat pest insects and help you grow a healthy, productive garden. Their diet includes nectar and pollen from vegetables, as well as food and shelter. You can also plant sunflowers and Zinnias, which attract pollinators and increase your vegetable yields. Sunflowers are also a great choice for borders, as they attract many different insects and birds.
Planting a variety of vegetables will help you control pests and keep your vegetables healthy and growing. Many garden pests overwinter in the soil and emerge in the spring, meaning that they will have to move to another area where they will find food. Many of these insects will die during the move or fall prey to birds.
Marigolds, bee balm, and garlic are all effective garden plants that can help deter garden pests. They repel ants, aphids, and squash bugs.
Onions
Onions can be used as a natural insecticide in your garden, as they repel a variety of garden pests. They are particularly effective against cabbage looper, carrot flies, flea beetles, rabbits, and even Colorado potato beetles. In addition to repelling pests, onions can also help your plants by acting as fungicides. Sprinkle chopped onions around the base of your plants to prevent pests and apply a fresh application every two weeks.
Onions are a natural insect repellent because they contain sulfur components that most garden pests do not like. You can use onions to spray your plants or liquefy them into a tea. You can even use the onion liquid to spritz directly onto pest-affected plants.
If you’re planting onions near another crop, be careful to plant them in different locations. The same pests that attack one crop will also attack another. Depending on the species, this can result in an increase in pest damage in neighboring crops. Also, avoid planting onions near legumes as they have different requirements for nitrogen.
Another useful herb to plant with onions to repel pests is chamomile. Chamomile has antifungal properties and helps onion plants fight off fungal infections. It also attracts beneficial insects and improves the flavor of your onions. It is a great companion plant for onions, and many other herbs.
Onions are a wonderful addition to any garden. They add a savory flavor to a meal, and are very versatile. They are also helpful in the garden because their strong scent keeps away garden pests. You can use onions alongside other plants to help them grow stronger and more vigorous.
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