Natural Pest Control For Beginners
Gardening is a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, but it can sometimes be challenging to keep pesky insects at bay while maintaining the beauty of their outdoor spaces. One effective and natural solution lies in incorporating insect-repelling plants into bedding arrangements. Not only do these plants provide an aesthetically pleasing environment, but they also offer the added benefit of deterring unwanted insects.
We will explore a variety of plant families known for their insect-repelling properties and provide a list of suitable options to discuss their suitability as bedding plants.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Insect-Repelling Bedding Plants:
When selecting insect-repelling plants for your garden, it’s important to consider a few key factors.
Firstly, identify the specific types of insects you wish to repel, as different plants have varying effectiveness against different pests.
Secondly, take into account the characteristics and growth requirements of the plants, such as sunlight, water, and soil preferences, to ensure they thrive in your garden.
Lastly, consider the aesthetic appeal of the plants, as you want them to serve as attractive bedding plants while warding off insects.
Lamiaceae (Mint Family):
The Lamiaceae family, commonly known as the Mint Family, offers several bedding plants with excellent insect-repelling properties.
Peppermint, a popular choice, emits a strong scent that deters pests like mosquitoes and ants.
Catnip, beloved by feline companions, is highly effective against mosquitoes, ticks, and cockroaches.
Lemon balm, with its lemony scent, deters mosquitoes and gnats, but also attracts beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Asteraceae (Daisy Family):
The Asteraceae family, also known as the Daisy Family, encompasses bedding plants that repel a wide range of insects.
Marigolds, with their vibrant colours, not only add beauty to your garden but also repel mosquitoes, aphids, and nematodes.
Pyrethrum, derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium, contains natural insecticidal properties effective against various pests.
Tansy, with its fern-like foliage, acts as a natural deterrent for flies, ants, and moths.
Liliaceae (Lily Family):
The Liliaceae family includes bedding plants with insect-repelling qualities and elegant blooms.
Garlic, a well-known culinary ingredient, releases a pungent odour that repels aphids, snails, and cabbage loopers.
Chives, commonly used as a herb, deter carrot flies, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Society garlic, with its lavender flowers, acts as a repellent for mosquitoes and other biting insects.
Apiaceae (Carrot Family):
The Apiaceae family, also referred to as the Carrot Family, offers bedding plants known for their insect-repelling properties.
Dill, a delicate herb, not only attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs but also repels aphids, spider mites, and cabbage loopers.
Fennel, with its feathery foliage and aromatic seeds, deters slugs, snails, and aphids. Coriander, commonly used as a culinary herb, repels aphids and spider mites while attracting beneficial hoverflies.
Geraniaceae (Geranium Family):
Also known as the Geranium Family, includes bedding plants that are both visually appealing and effective in repelling insects.
Geraniums, with their vibrant flowers, repel mosquitoes, Japanese beetles, and cabbage worms.
The Citronella plant, a variety of geranium, emits a lemony fragrance that deters mosquitoes. Rose-scented geraniums offer a pleasing aroma while repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and flies.
Other Considerations for Bedding Plants:
To enhance the insect-repelling properties of your garden, consider companion planting. Some plants, when grown together, have mutually beneficial effects, such as deterring pests or attracting beneficial insects.
Additionally, ensure you follow proper planting and maintenance techniques, such as providing adequate water and sunlight, pruning when needed, and keeping the garden free from weeds and debris. By combining different insect-repelling plants, you can create a diverse and effective garden.
Conclusion:
Creating a beautiful and insect-free garden is possible by strategically incorporating insect-repelling bedding plants. By considering factors such as the types of insects to repel, plant characteristics, and aesthetic appeal, you can select the most suitable plants for your garden. Whether you choose plants from the Mint, Daisy, Lily, Carrot, or Geranium family,