Organic gardening is all the rage in today’s chemical laden society. Many gardeners choose natural ways to deter insect pests and avoid using harsh chemicals. One of the most popular plants used to repel insects in and around the garden, is garlic.
Aphids
Garlic plants used in rose beds, around fruit trees, amongst peppers and tomatoes are ideal for keeping away this tiny winged creature. Aphids like to feast on tender young leaves of plants. Many gardeners will tie a bit of the garlic plant to roses, tomatoes and peppers to enhance the insects from destroying their crops. While it’s not really necessary to tie the garlic to the actual plant it certainly can’t hurt. Just be sure to use a gentle tying method such as soft garden twine or old cut up panty hose. Many gardeners also use garlic to protect tender flowers such as marigolds, nasturtium and petunias from insect attacks.
Red spider mites
Red spider mites don’t like garlic in any way shape or form. Many gardeners swear by garlic planted amongst peppers and tomatoes.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can wreck havoc on a thriving broccoli, spinach or cabbage patch. They feast on the tender young leaves leaving the leaves unable to provide for the plant. Planting some garlic next to these plants will give the caterpillars reason to pause and change their course.
Slugs and snails
Slugs and snails will think twice when seeking their favorite leafy vegetables if garlic is planted around them. While some gardeners use the salt shaker or crushed egg shells to rid the garden of these voracious pests, many others rely on good old fashioned garlic bulbs. A few garlic bulbs planted in and around the leafy vegetables will chase the pests away.
Colorado potato beetles
If potato beetles are a problem consider planting some garlic in and amongst potatoes. The beetles will stay away from the potato hills and set their sights elsewhere.
Boring insects
If boring insects are a problem in the garden area grab the shovel and plant a few garlic bulbs under the trees and shrubs. Boring insects will bore right through the stems and branches of trees and shrubs but the garlic will give them reason to pause. This works for fruit trees and deciduous trees alike.
More and more gardeners are turning to old fashioned organic methods of gardening and garlic is one of the favored remedies for many garden pests.