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The One Plant to Grow to Keep Away Insects

A mint plant growing in a garden.
lzf/Shutterstock.com

Having a flourishing garden is the dream for many. Unfortunately, along with that dream comes a lot of nasty bugs. If you’re tired of battling pesky insects that wreak havoc on your beloved garden, it’s time to harness the power of nature’s secret pest-repelling weapon.

That secret is a mint plant.

This fragrant herb isn’t just for adding a refreshing touch to culinary dishes and beverages. Mint, known for its invigorating aroma and cooling taste, contains natural compounds that act as a deterrent to various garden pests.

The strong scent of mint, particularly peppermint and spearmint varieties, is highly effective in repelling insects and even certain rodents. By strategically companion planting mint around your garden, you can create a protective barrier that keeps pests at bay.

Live Aromatic and Edible Herb

These adorable plants will help keep your garden pest-free.

Companion planting involves carefully placing plants together to enhance their growth and deter pests. Mint excels as a companion plant due to its ability to repel insects and protect nearby vegetation. 

Planting mint next to highly susceptible plants like tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, and eggplant can help shield them from pests and reduce the need for harmful chemical pesticides. The aromatic foliage of mint turns an otherwise inviting garden into a hostile environment for pests.

You can fully capitalize on mint’s natural pest-repellent powers by creating a mint barrier around your garden or specific plant beds. This way, mint can serve as a natural perimeter defense system, deterring insects from invading your cherished plants.

It’s worth noting that mint plants act very invasively. To help gain the insect-repelling benefits of mint without having it take over your entire garden, it’s best to plant it in large pots rather than in the ground. Mint requires a lot of attention to prevent it from escaping the pot and sprawling over your garden. 

Mighty Mint - 16oz Insect and Pest Control Peppermint Oil

If you don't want to plant mint, you can still harness its power as an insect repellent.

Mint’s usefulness extends beyond repelling insects. It can also attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to your garden, contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Additionally, mint leaves can be harvested and utilized for culinary purposes, herbal teas, and natural remedies.

While mint is a resilient and vigorous plant, it still requires proper care and maintenance to thrive. Mint likes to stay moist without sitting in a pool of water. It grows well with around 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you want to promote healthy growth, plant fertilization can really help.

Whether you opt for peppermint, spearmint, or other mint varieties, this versatile herb will not only defend your garden from pests but also add an enticing fragrance to your outdoor space.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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