It is not uncommon to find some of the most efficient and effective pesticides right in your garden. With plants capable of fighting weeds, harmful insects, and fungus, it is now easier than ever to keep your garden safe without harming the environment. Synthetic chemicals can be hazardous to our health, which is why people are now opting for natural pesticides that are just as effective. This post is designed to help you find the perfect plant pesticides that suit your soil conditions and planting zone. The post presents three different zones ranging from cool to tropical, with three native plants each.
Let’s start with the cool growing zone (Zones 1-5):
1. Sunflower
Sunflowers are not only visually appealing but also beneficial to neighboring plants. These plants act as a “trap” species, capturing harmful insects and reducing their impact on other plants.
2. Borage
Borage is an easy-to-grow herb with beautiful blue flowers. It repels pests like cabbage worms, tomato hornworms, and Japanese beetles.
3. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, a natural insecticide that kills mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many other pests. They’re also pretty to look at!
These three plants are perfect for your garden in cool growing zones.
Perhaps you haven’t heard of this tasty shrub yet, but it’s definitely worth adding to your garden if you live in a cooler climate. Not only is it great for bees, but it also keeps pesky insects like tomato hornworms and cabbage worms at bay. Another plant that comes in handy for warding off pests is garlic – a popular choice for cooks and gardeners alike. If you live in a warm growing zone (Zones 6-9), you’re in luck! You have a wide array of plant options available to you, with different colors, shapes, and species to choose from. Consider adding marigolds to your garden as they’re known to repel certain insects.
Brightly hued and sweet-smelling blooms of flowers are effective in keeping pests at bay. Chrysanthemums, a common ingredient in modern pesticides, are known to repel spider mites, snails, and rabbits during their growing season. Lavender, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for warding off fleas, ticks, bedbugs, cockroaches, and even lice. These plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also offer a natural solution for pest control.
Lavender is a popular fragrance globally, known for its ability to attract pollinators and keep fleas and insects at bay. In warm growing regions like Zones 10-13, three plants have proven to be highly effective insecticides. Nasturtiums, with their vibrant colors, also work as powerful insect repellents, fending off numerous insect species. They are even used in large-scale farms to protect vulnerable vegetables. Rosemary is another plant that offers protection against insects and pests.
Tropical areas tend to have higher levels of humidity, providing a suitable environment for destructive snails and slugs. However, you can prevent them from infesting your leafy greens by planting rosemary nearby. Not only will this prevent soft-bodied insects from invading your garden, but it will also keep it smelling fresh.
Another shrub that works wonders in gardens is catnip, which is not only great for your furry feline friends but also for keeping pests at bay. Whether you choose to plant it indoors or outdoors, these robust shrubs are designed to repel aphids, beetles, moths, and squash bugs.
