Even the greenest of thumbs can have a hard time growing plants when creepy crawlers keep showing up to feast on new leaves and stems. Fortunately, there are plenty of natural ways to keep bugs away from your garden so you won’t need to stock up on pesticides to protect your plants. Insects are an important part of any ecosystem; they help pollinate plants and other organisms, break down dead matter and recycle nutrients back into the soil. However, not all insects are good for gardens or homes. Some species like aphids or caterpillars will feed on a plant’s juices until it withers away completely, while others such as mosquitoes transmit diseases that can be very dangerous in some cases. Fortunately, there are many natural methods you can use to deter those pesky little critters without the use of harmful chemicals or additives. Let’s take a look at some of them in more detail:
Grow nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are beautiful flowers that are known for their ability to repel aphids and other types of harmful insects. They’re an excellent addition to any garden, as they’re easy to grow, require little maintenance and attract pollinators with their bright colours. You can grow nasturtiums indoors or out: Simply add them to your existing flower beds or plant pots. You’ll want to water them frequently, as they’re known to be thirsty plants and like lots of sunlight. If you’re growing nasturtiums indoors, be sure to keep them away from your other plants. Otherwise, you may end up repelling the pests but also the beneficial insects that you want your garden to thrive!
Grow marigolds
Another flower that’s great for keeping bugs away from your garden, marigolds are known to be very effective in deterring pests like beetles and aphids. Marigolds are easy to grow, so they’re a great choice for beginner gardeners. Simply sow seeds in a container indoors or buy a pre-grown plant and transplant it into your garden once temperatures have cooled down. If you have a large garden and want to keep pests away from specific plants, it may be beneficial to invest in a large marigold plant and place it next to or among those plants. To keep your marigolds healthy and producing plenty of flowers, water them regularly and feed them once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
Use dried or fresh herbs
Herbs are more than just great ingredients to add flavour to your dishes; they’re also very useful in repelling pests from your garden. Basil is a great option for keeping aphids and other insects away from your tomatoes, while chives and parsley can be used to deter pests from a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, broccoli and carrots. If you’re growing your plants indoors, you can even grow a few herbs in pots and place them next to your houseplants. Lavender is another herb that’s known to repel bugs naturally. You can grow it indoors or out, or simply add the dried flowers to your other plants. You can also crush the dried leaves to release their scent and use it to make a spray that you can spray on your houseplants.
Use citrus peels and oils
Citrus is known for its ability to repel many types of insects, including mosquitoes and ticks. You can make your own insect repellent by soaking citrus peels in water and letting it sit in a jar. You can also add the peels to a pot of water and boil it to release the oils trapped inside. Alternatively, you can use citrus essential oils, which are very strong and can be harmful if you put too much on your skin. You can mix the water or oil with vinegar and use the mixture to spray your plants. Alternatively, you can add the peels to your compost and use the compost on your plants.
Build a terracotta garden
A traditional method used in Asian cultures to deter pests from gardens, building a terracotta garden is an easy solution that makes use of items you may already have at home. You can create a terracotta garden by placing a few old pots upside down in your garden and filling them with water. The water will evaporate slowly and release the fragrance of citrus fruits and herbs, effectively repelling harmful insects. You can also add a little bit of tea leaves to the water to make the scent last even longer. It’s important to change the water regularly, otherwise it can become stagnant. If you want to make the scent last even longer, you can place the pots in an area where they’re not in the way of your garden.
Install mesh netting
If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to keeping bugs away from your garden, installing mesh netting is a great option. It’s commonly used to protect crops from pests such as birds and mice, so it’s very effective for gardeners. You can install the netting on raised beds or simply lay it over top of a row of your favourite plants. The netting will keep pests out of your garden while allowing water, air and light to reach your plants. If you’re growing your plants indoors, don’t forget to install the netting underneath the soil to keep pests out of your houseplants as well.
Conclusion
Gardening is a great hobby and an excellent way to save money while eating healthy, organic food. However, pests can be a challenge for even the most experienced gardeners, so it’s important to have a few natural ways to keep bugs away from your garden on hand. With a little bit of effort and knowledge, you can create a beautiful and bountiful garden that will provide you with plenty of fresh produce. These natural methods will not only keep pests away but also protect the health of the environment and the people around you.