Planting Your Garden to Repel Bugs

Planting Your Garden to Repel Bugs
By Keith Markensen
Did you know that you can grow plants in your garden that will repel pests and have other beneficial qualities? If you are an avid gardener, consider the following pest repellent plants to make your job of caring for your plants easier.

Mosquitoes can be very annoying when you're trying to enjoy your garden at dusk. However, there are several natural ways to keep them at bay so you can use your garden at night. You can plant certain varieties of plants that naturally repel these pests.

Not only will these plants help repel mosquitoes that are a bother to humans, but they will also protect your other plants from different kinds of pests, keeping them from destroying your flowers and crops. If you plant them throughout your garden, they will help ensure the health of your favorite plants. Your plants will thrive without being attacked by pests, and you'll be able to enjoy your beautiful garden.

Garlic has amazing pest repellent qualities. It can help to repel many different kinds of insects and other pests that can destroy your favorite rose bushes. Plus, it will keep mosquitoes and other annoying bugs away. Plant lots of garlic around your yard and garden to enjoy it as a natural pest repellent. However, don't plant it too close to your vegetables, because they can soak up the flavor of the garlic. An alternative to planting garlic is garlic chives. This plant can also work to repel pests in your garden.

The strong smell of onions has pest repellent qualities as well. If you don't like the smell of garlic in your garden, try onion instead. You can vary the types of onions you plant to add a little variety to your garden. Like garlic, onions will keep the bugs away.

In addition to the oil-producing neem plant, mint is naturally pest repellent, and it's easy to grow, too. It will spread out on its own, so you only need to plant a few mint plants. However, it can be a little invasive, so plant it where it can have plenty of room to spread, or cut it back to keep it contained. Mint has a wonderful smell, and it will naturally keep bugs away from your plants.

Lemon balm is another scented plant that can be a wonderful addition to your garden. It is particularly effective against mosquitoes. You can even rub the leaves on your skin to keep mosquitoes from biting you. A fast grower, lemon balm needs room to spread and frequent trims to keep it in control.

Many other herbs and plants are also effective pest repellents. In fact, most that have a strong smell will work against pests. For a natural pest repellent that also provides a wonderful scent in your garden, try lemon-scented herbs and plants. These are much more pleasing to humans than garlic, onion, or other pungent varieties.

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