Above: Basil, one of the garden's (and kitchen's) best friends.
Many gardeners have successful experiences repelling pests with plants, particularly herbs. We can't vouch for all of these but if you've had some personal experiences or have some more knowledge in this area, we'd love to hear from you.
• Marigolds of the Tagetes species, known as French or African marigolds, reduce nematode infestations.
• Southernwood, also known as ‘ladslove’, repels aphids and cabbage moth.
• Fennel repels flies and fleas.
• Thyme and Dill repel cabbage moth.
• Rosemary repels leafhoppers, aphids and caterpillars and carrot fly.Grown as a hedge around a vegetable garden it not only looks wonderful but acts as a general pest repellent for insects such as whitefly. Add a sprig or two of rosemary to your clothes cupboards to repel moths and silverfish.
• Mint although vulnerable to caterpillars, repels many other insects.
• Wormwood repels fruit fly.
• Tarragon helps repel snails.
• Garlic repels many airborne and soilborne pests. Deters beetles, spider mites, fruit fly and its smell confuses carrot fly and white cabbage butterfly.
• Basil A must for any vegetable garden, basil's general insect repellent properties make it an excellent plant to grow throughout your patch. Especially effective with cabbages, beans and tomatoes. Grow basil in pots near doorways to deter flies.
• Sage Attracts bees but repels many pest insects and protects onions from onion maggot. Sage also repels ants, so grow it in pots near doorways, and lay sprigs of sage on shelves and entry points. It is also said to keep mice at bay.
Sources: Dept. of Agriculture, Sustainable Gardening Australia
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