You can deter pests from your vegetable garden with the right flowers – our pro landscaper picks are pretty & useful
GREEN-FINGERED homeowners have found a way to make their gardens look beautiful while fighting off pests.
There is a natural method for deterring insects that could ravage vegetables before they are harvested.
Horticulturists recommend companion planting - planting certain plants near others to repel unwanted insects.
According to Ground Guys, the fragrance, oils, and colors of certain flowers can be useful in deterring pests.
The landscape experts have shared several flowers with which they’ve seen impressive results when planted to protect harvests.
Almost any bug will flee when asters are planted as a border for vegetable gardens.
The plants that display beautifully in late summer and fall vary in height and color.
They grow best in moisture-rich soils and it isn’t necessary to deadhead them to keep flowering.
Marigolds are equally hard-working but most effective for deterring pests from tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplants.
Those trying to rid asparagus beetles and tomato hornworms should plant calendulas. They can be planted near almost any kind of vegetable or herb.
Another plant that can be used to protect tomatoes is Chrysanthemums, however, it’s recommended that they shouldn’t be planted too close to lettuce.
They require watering and feeding regularly and struggle to survive in dry conditions with a lot of shade.
Petunias should also be planted near tomatoes to naturally repel bugs that target patches that have beans, squashes, and potatoes.
The eye-catching blooms have a long flowering period and only need to be watered once a week.
Tansys can also be worth planting near potato and squash plants as they keep ants, flying insects, and beetles away.
Landscaper's top insect repelling flowers
- Asters
- Calendula
- Chrysanthemums
- Geraniums
- Lavender
- Marigolds
- Nasturtiums
- Petunias
- Tansy
Gardeners growing cabbage may want to plant either geraniums or nasturtiums around their crops.
The blooms both have bold colors and are reasonably easy to grow.
Lavender has also proven popular for repelling insects as many creatures including mosquitos hate the smell.
They can be grown in most conditions, but do best in well-draining soil in full sun.
Lavender is best planted with roses and herbs such as rosemary as they have similar needs.
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Ground Guys recommend planting nasturtiums if your garden is riddled with aphids.
They ward off insects that may attack beans, cabbages, and cucumbers.
