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Plus, here's how to use the sacrificial plant method.
Sacrificial planting, commonly known as trap cropping, is the deliberate act of growing plants to attract agricultural pests. From leafy annuals like marigolds, to scent-rich lavender, this form of companion planting helps to keep insects away from nearby crops — and reduces the use of pesticides.
Last year, the RHS encouraged gardeners to grow sacrificial vegetables and ornamental plants for slugs to nibble on. Plant-munching pests might be frustrating, but they play an important role in planet-friendly gardening and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
'The traditional method for getting rid of destructive bugs would be to use pesticides which could potentially bring toxins into your garden. We prefer to use deterrent plants instead, adding a source of food for the insects whilst keeping them away from your most beloved flowers,' says a spokesperson at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk.
The main goal of sacrificial planting is to distract slugs from eating your prized dahlias by encouraging them to eat another plant instead. 'The plants you hope to protect will determine how far away you need to plant the decoy sacrificial plants. For some insects, it is best to plant the decoys around the border of the flowers or crops. For others, the sacrificial plants can be placed further away.'
Slip on your gardening gloves and take a look at the best sacrificial plants to grow in your garden in 2023...
To most, stinging nettle is a common weed, but did you know that this plant is brilliant for attracting aphids and sap-sucking insects? This fast-growing plant, which grows clumps of upright stems with leaves covered in tiny hairs (and greenish white flowers from May to October), will work as a distraction for the harmful aphids congregating in large groups.
Nasturtiums are great for attracting aphids, making them an ideal trap for protecting precious flowerbeds. Plus, with rounded leaves and coloured blooms, they will make a punchy statement in your garden.
'Nasturtiums will need to be pruned and tended over time as they are a spreading plant that drops seeds all over the area where they grow,' say Garden Buildings Direct.
Chervil is an annual, delicate herb famous for its mild aniseed flavour. According to the experts, you should make space for this one in your garden if you are frustrated by slugs because it helps to attract them.
Sunflowers are this season's most cheerful bloom. As well as being easy to grow, the sunflower is one type of plant that attracts beneficial insects to the garden – including stink bugs.
'These summertime favourites are great for attracting stink bugs, which often attack crops like sweetcorn and okra,' say the experts at Garden Buildings Direct. 'Keep these veggies pest-free by planting sunflowers at least 70 days ahead of your vegetables. Once the sunflowers have fully matured, they will work to deter bugs no matter how far away they are from your more precious crops.'
These no-fuss annuals are a brilliant deterrent for pesky insects, including flying insects and nematodes. Top tip: plant these ahead of the vegetables to ensure the crops are not disturbed.
'Although loved by many, the strong scent of lavender is known to deter many bugs from crops and flowers,' say Garden Buildings Direct. 'The strong smell will keep biting bugs at bay and will instead attract nectar-feeding bees and butterflies into your garden.'
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