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You may have already mapped out your perfect garden—but before you get started on landscaping plans, be sure to pepper in a couple of plants that have some hidden benefits by including varieties that can actually make your garden healthier. We're talking about pest-repelling plants, which come in all types, from colorful flowering options to cooking herbs. Even just a few sprinkled amongst your other greenery can make a difference.
Of course, if you have a serious bug problem, there's no replacement for specialized sprays and treatments, but if you want to nip potential problems in the bud (sorry, we had to), it's worth taking some cautionary steps to preempt their appearance at all. Between fragrant sprouts just as effective as your favorite citronella candle and low-maintenance blooms that double as vibrant eye candy, any of these 10 plants would be a good place to start:
What constitutes a soothing scent to us is highly unpleasant to pests like fleas, flies, moths, and mosquitos. Not only does lavender attract the right kind of insects (specifically, bees), but it's easy to grow, too.
Keep this handy herb on-hand to deter moths and flies, as well as more dangerous critters like ticks and mosquitos. Another upside: You'll always have plenty of fresh basil for caprese salads and pesto.
Another cooking staple with a hidden talent, thyme is effective at guarding against whiteflies, tomato hornworms, cabbage loopers, and yes, mosquitos.
Mint leaves contain strong essential oils that are good at keeping mosquitos away. The plant grows fairly quickly, so keep it contained in planters, and you'll be able to enjoy a pest-free summer (not to mention, some ace mojitos thanks to the fresh mint leaves newly at your disposal).
Think of it as natural citronella. Lemongrass' fragrant scent is known to repel mosquitos, so you can plant it along your patio and enjoy outdoor dinners all summer long.
Sure, you might have to grow these from seed, but once they're thriving they are worth the effort: Chives (or any member of the allium family, including garlic) emit a scent that keeps aphids, slugs, and cabbage worms at bay.
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, an ingredient found in many artificial pesticides, making them a good option for organically dealing with fleas, Japanese beetles, roaches, ants, and even ticks. The fact that they come in so many bright colors is just a nice bonus.
Another fun flowering plant, petunias make a smart addition specifically to your vegetable garden because they can be used to combat squash bugs, tomato hornworms, aphids, and leafhoppers. Because they require next to no upkeep, they're a great low-maintenance option.
Mix in some marigolds among edible plants to minimize the risk of nematodes, cabbage worms, and mosquitos showing up to destroy your gardening work.
Effective for the same reason as lemongrass, lemon thyme is a citrusy herb that actually works best when crushed. Crumble some of the leaves between your fingers and rub it on your skin for natural mosquito repellent.
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