Gardening can be a fulfilling experience, but it can also be frustrating when pests invade your cherished plants.
Garden pests come in various shapes and sizes, from worms that eat away at the roots of your delicate flowers to squirrels that dig up your newly planted garden beds.
One of the pests that can cause alarm to some are garden spiders. They spin intricate webs that may appear menacing, but they actually serve as a natural pesticide, trapping other insects that could harm your plants.
However, if their population gets out of control, their presence can be detrimental to the health of your garden.
It’s essential to understand which pests pose a threat to your plants and the proper measures to take to keep them at bay.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLOWERS
Choose flowers to help repel garden pests such as marigolds, chrysanthemums, lavender, and petunias.
Flowers like marigolds and petunias release strong odors that act as natural insect repellants, driving away garden pests.
Chrysanthemums are also effective at deterring certain types of insects due to their bitter smell.
Lavender has a sweet aroma that may keep some bugs away from your plants, while its essential oils can be used as a natural pesticide.
Planting a variety of these flowers in and around your garden can help to keep the pests away while still providing a pleasant aesthetic.
ADD BENEFICIAL INSECTS TO YOUR FLOWER GARDEN
Adding beneficial insects to your garden can naturally control pests and promote healthy plant growth.
Ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantis are just some beneficial insects that can help maintain a healthy ecosystem in your garden.
Not only do they provide natural pest control, but they also help pollinate flowers, making them a valuable addition to any flower garden.
ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR GARDEN
Attracting birds to your garden is an effective and natural way to keep pests in check.
Birds, specifically insectivorous species, help control the population of common garden pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and slugs.
To invite these feathered friends, consider adding bird feeders and nesting boxes in your garden.
Provide a water source such as a birdbath, which serves as a refreshing spot for birds to drink and bathe.
USING ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils can be an effective and natural way to help eliminate pests from your flower garden.
These oils, derived from plants, can deter various insects, including aphids, beetles, and mites, without causing harm to your flowers.
For instance, neem oil is widely acknowledged for its pest-repelling properties and can be sprayed directly on plants.
Similarly, peppermint oil can be used to deter ants and aphids, while lavender oil can keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay.
To prepare a DIY pest control spray, mix a few drops of your chosen essential oil with water in a spray bottle, and apply it to the affected plants.
COMPANION PLANTING
One way to use flowers to keep pests away from your garden is through companion planting.
This technique involves planting certain flowers near other plants to deter insects and other pests.
For example, lavender, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and sunflowers are known to repel aphids, mealybugs, and slugs when planted near vulnerable vegetables or flowers.
Planting these types of companion plants can help keep your garden pest-free and is an environmentally friendly way to protect your plants.
Furthermore, many fragrant herbs such as basil, rosemary, and oregano also make great natural pest repellents when planted in your garden.
You can also grow flowering herbs such as thyme and sage to further enhance the beauty of your garden while enjoying their natural pest-repelling properties.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: