Flowers To Plant In Vegetable Garden To Deter Pests

Planting flowers in your vegetable garden can be both beautiful and functional. Certain flowers can help deter pests and attract beneficial insects, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. Here are some flowers known for their pest-repellent properties:

1. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.):
   • Pests repelled: Aphids, nematodes, whiteflies.
   • Notes: The strong scent of marigolds can mask the smell of vegetable plants, confusing pests.
2. Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus):
   • Pests repelled: Aphids, whiteflies, squash bugs.
   • Notes: Nasturtiums can act as a trap crop, attracting pests away from your vegetables.
3. Borage (Borago officinalis):
   • Pests repelled: Tomato hornworm, cabbage worms.
   • Notes: Borage attracts beneficial insects like bees and wasps, which attack various garden pests.
4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
   • Pests repelled: Fleas, moths, mosquitoes.
   • Notes: Lavender’s strong fragrance deters many insects while attracting pollinators.
5. Calendula (Calendula officinalis):
   • Pests repelled: Aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles.
   • Notes: This flower is also known for attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
6. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.):
   • Pests repelled: Ants, ticks, fleas.
   • Notes: Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insect-repelling compound.
7. Petunias (Petunia spp.):
   • Pests repelled: Aphids, tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles.
   • Notes: Petunias are easy to grow and can be planted alongside a variety of vegetables.
8. Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus):
   • Pests repelled: Aphids (as a trap crop).
   • Notes: While sunflowers can attract aphids, they often draw them away from other plants. They also attract beneficial insects.
9. Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.):
   • Pests repelled: Japanese beetles, cabbage worms.
   • Notes: Geraniums can be particularly effective when planted near cabbage family crops.
10. Alyssum (Lobularia maritima):
    • Pests repelled: None specifically, but it attracts beneficial predators like hoverflies.
    • Notes: Alyssum is a fantastic companion plant for many vegetables due to its ability to attract beneficial insects.

Using these flowers as part of your garden design can naturally reduce the need for chemical pesticides and create a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. Always consider the specific needs and compatibility of the flowers and vegetables you are planting together.