My bug repellant planters are great for patios and porches – they’ll keep away pests and you can cook with what you grow
A GREEN-FINGERED woman has revealed the little-known herbs that deter pests from your garden as they grow.
She said each garden plant has a strong smell that insects avoid.
Needmore Farms (@needmorefarms) has garnered over 146,000 followers on Instagram, by sharing home and garden tips.
As spring brought warmer days, many homeowners noticed increased critters feasting on their plants.
An infestation of bugs that bite and sting can also make relaxing on your patio or porch less appealing.
The gardening enthusiast recommended placing a pot that has a strong-smelling plant in the areas where bugs may frequent.
She said bug-repellant planters can be positioned on outdoor tables for a “bug-free spring.”
She suggested filling the pots with basil, lemongrass, lemon thyme, sage, and lavender.
She revealed different varieties of the plants can be just as effective for deterring pests.
The herbs not only look stylish in a garden but can be used to flavor cooking.
Almost 26,000 viewers liked the video and many took to the comment section to say they were grateful for the advice.
“Definitely going to plant these at my camper,” one person said.
“Mint and lavender r my go 2s,” another wrote.
“I like to do any thyme,” a third added.
SEED SHOPPING
Seeds for the majority of herbs recommended are available in a box from Walmart for $3.99.
Customers have given it a 4.2-star rating and shared their honest opinions in reviews.
“Great little collection of all the major herbs,” one person said.
“They are all sprouting now and I can’t wait to incorporate my own homegrown herbs into my food. Wonderful starter kit.”
“I love to grow herbs and for the price I love them even more,” another said.
“A complete list of herbs we need every day, for taste and health.”
Tips for keeping pests from your garden
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- Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats.
- Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, Amazon, over your flowerbeds.
- Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs.
- Spray plants with Neem Oil, $9, Target, to repel ants, flies, and spiders.
- Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth, $8.26, Amazon.
- Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds.
- Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
HEALTHY HERBS
The Royal Horticultural Society recommends sowing basil seeds in free-draining soil in a sunny area in early summer.
Plants should be spaced 8 to 12 inches apart to avoid overcrowding conditions.
Lemongrass and lavender also require warm weather and regular watering to thrive.
David Denyer, an expert at online floral retailer Eflorist, previously told The U.S. Sun mint and rosemary can also deter insects.
He recommended using companion planting and handpicking pests such as slugs off plants to repel bugs.
“This method ensures that surrounding plants and beneficial wildlife remain unexposed to harmful chemicals,” he said.