For many, organic gardens bring a feeling of happiness and accomplishment as harvest nears. Few things can be as disappointing as watching your pride and joy become a buffet for pesky bugs. Before your frustrations over pest control mount, consider deploying some strategic, natural deterrents as a pre-emptive strike.  Instead of using sticky sprays or toxic chemicals, there are some simple and effective solutions, like including insect repelling herbs in your organic garden, that you can use to ward off insects.

What Type of Herbs Keep Insects Away?

Many aromatic plants can deter insects that might otherwise attack your plants. Fragrant herbs like mint, sage, and basil are useful for repelling insects. Since many herbs naturally repel insects, it comes as no surprise that herbalists and chemists alike use botanical oils to create safe and responsible insecticides and repellent sprays. Here’s a list of our top 5 herbs with natural pest repellent qualities:

1: Garlic

Garlic is a popular companion plant because it takes up little space and can grow in most conditions. Planting a few cloves in your crop will help to deter fungus gnats, codling moths, spider mites, cabbage loppers and of course, vampires.

2: Basil

Basil is great herb to plant in a tomato garden, not only because it tastes great in pasta sauce, but also because basil helps protect against tomato hookworm infestations that can wreak havoc on crops. Basil’s aroma naturally deters some mosquitos and house flies.

3: Mint

Spearmint and peppermint are often noted for their ability to repel flies, fleas, and spiders in the garden. One thing to keep in mind when planting mint is that it is an invasive plant and will spread quickly. It is best to grow mint in containers when you have space limitations.

4: Sage 

Want to protect your cabbages from the ravages of the cabbage moth? Plant sage here and there in your cabbage patch for a sweet-smelling solution. Sage has a powerful repellant effect on moths and some butterflies, making them less likely to attack.

5: Lemongrass

Lemongrass contains citronella and naturally helps to repel mosquitos. Citronella is a fragrant botanical oil found in this perennial grass. The leaves of lemongrass have many culinary uses, and its oil has antifungal properties when extracted.

Earth’s Ally Tips & Tricks

Despite your best efforts, garden pests are often unavoidable. Scouting for insects and creating physical deterrents are both essential parts of pest management. When infestations occur, a quick knockdown could mean a lot for the health of your plants. Earth’s Ally Insect Control is one tool you can use to kill and repel soft-bodied insects.

Formulated with an effective blend of rosemary, clove, and peppermint oils, Earth’s Ally Insect Control is an OMRI Listed® insecticide spray, suitable for organic gardening environmentally safe. It can be used on fruits and vegetables up until the day of harvest and is always safe for People, Pets & Planet.