Aphids are a very common garden pest, and can affect the health of many plants in the garden when an infestation occurs. Their sap-sucking tendencies can cause damage in various ways, including:
- Slowing plant growth
- Distorting or destroying leaves
- Transferring disease from sucking
- Encourage the growth of mould and attract ants from their excretion of honeydew
While removing and killing aphids is an effective way to treat infected plants, you could avoid the situation by using an aphid repellent. So, let’s take a look at some of the plants you can put in the garden to repel aphids naturally.
Plants that repel aphids
These plants either have repulsive aromas and scents, or they release chemicals that actively repel aphids and encourage them to relocate. So not only will they stay out of your garden beds, they’re also likely to move their breeding and egg-laying to an alternative spot.
Allium plants
The allium family of plants are known for being active repellers for many pests and unwanted animals, including snakes! Whether you choose garlic, leek, chives, onion or even agapanthus, aphids will not enjoy any of their strong scents.
We suggest you pick an allium plant that’s quick growing and easy to maintain, like chives. The added plus of these is that you can use them for dinner as well!
Marigolds
Marigolds are known by gardeners far and wide as a pest control plant. However, the specific reason why is unknown. While many do say, it is the scent that marigolds release, similar to allium, that wards off aphids, there could be a couple more reasons.
Marigolds have been proven to help kill nematodes (small parasitic worms) because they release a toxic chemical from their roots into the soil. This beautiful flower is also a huge attractor of ‘good insects’ or bugs that eat all the aphids and other ‘bad insects’.
Regardless of how marigolds get rid of an aphid infestation, they’re pretty, easy to grow, and look great in any garden.
Catnip
While it does attract cats, catnip is a great repeller of many insects. This is because of the ingredient nepetalactone that is present in its genetic makeup. This active ingredient creates a natural repellent that is great not only for aphids but also for many insects.
It is also recommended to grow and collect catnip around mosquito season, as this natural deterrent works wonders in preventing mozzie bites!
Fragrant herbs
Of course, herbs are one of the best ways to repel aphids, and you can also eat them. This includes fennel, dill and coriander due to their strong scents, which are hated by the sap-sucking insect.
If you want to go further, you could also try strategically placing banana peels around plants you want to keep aphids away from, as the strong smell helps deter them. Some people also use coffee grounds, although it’s important to keep in mind the acidity of your soil and how you use the grounds.
Make sure to add these plants specifically around other vegies, flowers and shrubs prone to an aphid attack or are very sensitive to pest damage.
Trap plants for aphids
You could also consider plants that can be used to ‘trap’ an aphid. This is done by drawing the aphids to a specific plant that is more likely to withstand the infestation.
This leaves your more sensitive plants and the plants you wish to harvest from, like citrus trees, free from plague and disease.
The best plants to use as an aphid trap are extremely hardy plants that are also very attractive to an aphid. We recommend using either nasturtiums or sunflowers, as they are both strong enough to withstand an aphid infestation without too much damage.
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