10 Companion Plants That Naturally Repel Garden Pests

Yes, you read that title absolutely right! There are plants out there that can actually drive pests out of your garden!

Today’s article is dedicated to these special plants, as, without them, my garden would quite literally be in shambles due to the million pest infestations I’ve dealt with in the past.

Without wasting any more time, let’s jump straight into it, shall we?

Companion Plants To Repel Pests In The Garden

1: Basil

Basil is a herb known for its extremely strong and pungent aroma. We know this because of how little basil we have to add to our dishes before the whole thing becomes a fragrant basil bomb.

Aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies despise the smell of basil and avoid flying anywhere near it.

Pair this herb with tomatoes and peppers for the best pest protection results.

2: Marigolds

Not only are marigolds incredibly majestic and vibrant when blooming, but they also emit certain compounds that repel nematodes, aphids, and beetles.

In the garden, marigolds are best paired with tomatoes, beans, and squash as these crops are much more likely to struggle with pest problems.

3: Nasturtiums

Nasturtiums are best for repelling particular pests like aphids, whiteflies, and squash bugs.

These tiny garden monsters are much more likely to visit gardens that are growing tomatoes, squash, or cucumbers, so it’s a good idea to pair nasturtiums with these crops.

Pair it with tomatoes, squash, or cucumbers.

4: Chives

Chives repel aphids and Japanese beetles due to their strong, onion-like aroma that pests absolutely abominate.

Plant your chives around crops like carrots, tomatoes, and roses, and you’ll be set for life in terms of pest protection in your garden.

5: Garlic

Due to the powerful aroma of garlic, it’s no surprise that pests and insects despise it so much. Your garden will be free of spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars soon after you plant garlic in it.

The pungent-smelling vegetable is best paired with lettuce, tomatoes, and fruit trees in the garden, but you can say it offers pretty much all-around protection.

6: Mint

You’ll never find ants, cabbage moths, and flea beetles lurking around mint plants. Although we, as humans, find the minty aroma quite pleasant, pests and insects don’t, and it generally messes with their brains.

Plant some mint in containers and put it near lettuce, cabbage or carrot crops if you have any.

7: Rosemary

Rosemary is another special special herb that’s incredibly beneficial for repelling carrot flies and cabbage moths in the garden.

It’s best paired with cabbage, beans, and carrots for productive pest protection.

8: Dill

As good as dill tastes as a garnish on dishes, it’s equally as useful as a natural pest repellent in the garden protecting crops from harmful aphid and spider mite infestations.

It’s best paired with cabbage, lettuce, and other leafy greens.

9: Borage

This vibrant blooming perennial, repels the worst of pests like tomato hornworm and cabbage white butterflies with great ease.

It’s best paired with beans, cucumbers, peas, squash, tomatoes cabbage and berry bushes like strawberries

10: Catnip

Catnip is great at repelling pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and squash bugs that all share a love for feeding on such crops.

My mom has two at home, and they absolutely love the small catnip patch she has in her backyard. However, as much as they love it, pests and insects dislike it with every fiber in their being and avoid flying anywhere near that catnip patch!

It goes particularly well with eggplants, squash, and beets.

Quick Tips For Using Companion Plants Effectively

Wooden vegetable bed box with soil in the home garden. Ecology and homegrowing concept.

Diversify the companion plants you choose to work with for well-rounded garden protection.
If you pair mint with anything, remember to plant the herb in a pot rather than right beside the crop that needs protection, since mint spreads quickly and can be very invasive.
Companion plants are meant for overall protection and pest repelling. If pests have already done the damage in your garden, you’re better off focusing on fixing that first.

Conclusion

Whether you’re dealing with a pest crisis in your garden or just want that extra bit of security in the long run, experimenting with a few pest-repelling companion plants here and there is a very wise move.

Not only will doing so lower the chances of future pest problems, but it will also make your garden smell much better and be more productive at the same time. Good luck, fellas!