Plants To Discourage Excess Insects & Pests

Interplanting with herbals is a great way to help support a healthy grow bed.

This supportive system also has a wonderful synergistic effect not just for plants but on insects & pests and beneficial nutrients for the health of our soils.

As well as great garden support, many of these herbals are an edible healing harvest for us! Win Win all around.

List Of Common Insects & Pests And Plants To Deter Their Presence—

Ants

• are discouraged by Mint, Spearmint, Catnip, Garlic.

Moths

• are discouraged by Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Wormwood, Penny Royal.

Slugs

• are discouraged by Oak Leaf Mulch, Dried Rosemary Mulch, Wormwood

Aphids

• are discouraged by Tomato Leaves, Chives, Onion, Basil, Spearmint, Nettles, Nasturtium’s, Garlic, Marigolds.

Cabbage Worm/Moth

• are discouraged by Hyssop, Dill, Oregano, Chamomile, Rosemary, Sage, Tansy, Mint, Thyme.

Mice/Rats

• are discouraged by Wormwood, Spearmint, Mint.

White Fly

• are discouraged by Nasturtium’s, Basil.

Beatles

• are discouraged by Chives, Chrysanthemums, Nasturtium’s.

Mosquitoes

• are discouraged by Basil, Lavender, Lemongrass, Alliums, Catnip, Rosemary, Marigolds.

PFC REMINDER **Sometimes there are situations with nature where as growers there is only so much we can do as nature’s balance is in charge. A note from a permaculture perspective; is that often insects/pests can be over-present if they are serving a purpose to rebalance other pests, environmental conditions or soil imbalances.

For instance aphids are often present in soil over abundant in Nitrogen. (Thanks to Stefan Sobkowiak of The Permaculture Orchard) for this teaching. In this case insects and pests remind us to dig deeper to uncover potential imbalances beyond what our eyes can see.

Questions To Contemplate: What have you observed in your organic growing? What native plants/herbs help deter an abundance of insects in your area? What soil regeneration may support further balance?