Say Goodbye to Bugs - The Bad Ones
Gardening in Georgina can be a dream—until those pesky insects show up, ready to snack on you and your plants. But before you reach for that bottle of chemical insect repellent, consider going au naturel with some insect-repelling plants. These botanical bodyguards will help keep your garden pest-free plus, they often do double duty, adding fragrance, flavour, and beauty to your garden. So, why not let Mother Nature handle pest control?
Why Go Natural? Because Who Needs Chemicals?
Chemical insect repellents may get the job done, but at what cost? They can harm beneficial insects (we love you, bees!), the environment, and even your health. Natural insect-repelling plants, on the other hand, offer a safer, eco-friendly alternative.
Why Do Natural Plants Work? It’s All in the Smell
Insects are driven by their sense of smell, and certain plants produce strong scents that bugs simply can’t stand. These aromatic plants contain natural compounds, such as essential oils, that either mask the scents insects are attracted to or outright repel them. For example, mosquitoes hate the smell of citronella, and basil can send flies packing. Plant these in your garden, and you’ll have a natural bug deterrent that works around the clock.
The A-Team of Insect-Repelling Plants
Ready to assemble your plant-powered pest control squad? Here are some top performers for Keswick:
- Lavender: Not just a pretty face, lavender repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Plus, it smells divine.
- Basil: A kitchen staple and an enemy of flies and mosquitoes.
- Lemongrass: Contains citronella, making it a mosquito’s worst nightmare.
- Citronella: The ultimate mosquito repellent—plant it near seating areas for maximum effect.
- Rosemary: Keeps mosquitoes and cabbage moths at bay while adding flavour to your dishes.
- Catnip: Sends mosquitoes running for the hills, but your cat will love it!
- Mint: Repels ants, mosquitoes, and flies, but beware—it spreads like wildfire!
Tips on How to Look After Your Natural Bug Bouncers
Keeping these plants happy is key to ensuring they keep pests away:
- Lavender: Loves full sun and well-drained soil. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage more blooms. Munstead and Hidcote are hardy varieties for Georgina.
- Basil: Needs full sun and regular watering. Pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth.
- Lemongrass: Thrives in full sun with plenty of water. Can be grown in containers in colder climates. It is not frost hardy.
- Citronella: Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Protect it from frost by bringing it indoors during winter.
- Rosemary: Likes full sun and well-drained soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established, so don’t overwater. It may overwinter if we have a mild winter but you can try and overwinter it inside, or start new each year!
- Catnip: Grows in full sun or partial shade. Cut back after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
- Mint: Thrives in full sun to partial shade but can take over your garden—plant in containers to control its spread.
Ways to Use Your Insect-Repelling Plants
Now that you’ve got your garden full of natural insect repellents, here’s how to put them to good use:
- Fresh: Place potted plants around your outdoor seating areas or rub leaves directly on your skin to repel insects.
- Make an Oil: Infuse your plants in oil to create a natural bug repellent. Simply place crushed leaves in a jar, cover with a carrier oil, and let sit for a couple of weeks. Strain and use the oil on your skin.
- Make a Cream: Mix your infused oil with beeswax and a few drops of essential oil for a soothing, bug-repelling cream.
- Dry Them: Dry the leaves and use them in sachets or potpourri to keep insects out of your home.
How to Blend These Plants into Your Existing Garden
Worried about these plants clashing with your current garden setup? Fear not! Here’s how to integrate them seamlessly:
- Create a Border: Plant lavender or rosemary along the edges of your garden to create a fragrant, insect-repelling border.
- Companion Planting: Tuck basil and mint among your vegetables to protect them from pests.
- Container Gardening: Grow citronella, lemongrass, and mint in containers that you can move around as needed.
- Herb Spiral: Incorporate these plants into a herb spiral—a raised bed in a spiral shape that saves space and looks stunning.
So there you have it, going natural with insect-repelling plants is a win-win. You’ll enjoy a beautiful, fragrant garden and fewer unwanted guests buzzing around. Plus, you’ll be doing your part to keep harmful chemicals out of the environment. So, what are you waiting for? Start planting, and let nature do the rest!
Happy gardening!
Shannon, the Garden Girl
Shannon, the Garden Girl, shows how and why she planted a mixed planter of fragrant flowers and herbs together.