Companion Planting Herbs for Pest Control

On a previous installment of The Wild Blog, we introduced companion planting; with special focus on compatibility of common vegetable-garden favourites. While this introduction acts a guide for achieving the best growing conditions and therefore harvests, companion planting has plenty of additional functional uses. Often overlooked, the strategic planting of companions can act as an organic and efficient pest control. And it’s not just any companions; here we explore the impact of your favourite herbs and how they can protect, repel and even distract unwanted visitors.

Herbs are often prized for their nostalgic and pungent aromatics. The very traits we love them for are actually what aid in their pest control abilities. In many cases, it’s these strong scents that act as inhibitors to various insects and critters. Before our compilation, it’s important to note that at times, you may across conflicting literature about different companions and in this case the effectiveness of certain herbs as pest control. Utilizing natural means of deterrence is unlikely to provide absolute effectiveness, but even if it helps a little, it certainly becomes the preferable option for the eco-conscious gardener. As always, our highest recommendation is to simply put things to the test and let your green thumb grow.

The Herb Pest Control Chart

Herb	Repels	Plant Near
Basil	Mosquitos, Whiteflies, Ants, Hornworms, Asparagus flies, Carrot flies,	Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Lettuce, Spinach, Peppers, Asparagus, Carrots
Chives	Aphids, Deer, Rabbits, Carrot flies, Cabbage Worms, Aphids, Mites	Carrots, Lettuce, Kale, Cabbage, Radish, Arugula, Spinach, Potatoes
Cilantro	Aphids, Flies, Spider mites, Potato beetles	Cabbage, Lettuce, Radishes, Potatoes, Tomatoes, Spinach
Dill	Cabbage moths, Spider mites, Aphids, Hornworms, Slugs	Broccoli, Kale, Cabbage, Onions, Garlic, Cucumbers
Mint*	Aphids, Cabbage Moths, Squash bugs, White flies, Ants	Onions, Beets, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Peas, Radish, Tomatoes, Corn
Oregano	Mosquitoes, Aphids, Cabbage Worms, Deer	Peppers, Eggplants, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Kale, Beans, Lettuce
Parsley	Asparagus beetle, Rose Beetles, Aphids, Army worms, Beetles	Peppers, Roses, Asparagus, Carrots, Corn, Onions, Tomatoes
Rosemary	Carrot flies, Cabbage Worms, Mosquitoes, Slugs, Beetles,	Peas, Lettuce, Beans, Kale, Radish, Arugula, Tomatoes, Carrots
Sage	Cabbage Moths, Flea Beetles, Carrot Flies,	Zucchini, Cucumber, Squash, Beets, Carrots, Radishes, Cabbage, Kale
Thyme	Aphids, Deer, Hornworms, White Flies	Kale, Arugula, Radishes, Tomatoes, Peppers.

* Plant mint carefully and with caution as it can easily take over a garden bed. We recommend keeping mint as pest control in containers or boxes to prevent unwanted spreading. 

The Takeaway

The above list focuses on the repelling action and therefore pest control of some of our favourite herbs. However, a future installment will review a list of herbs that can be used to attract beneficial visitors who work to either protect or pollinate your garden, thus sustaining a beneficial relationship for all. We leave our readers with a final note: some years pests will win, regardless of what you do. Some years, it’s the weather, or maybe even a certain plant itself, it happens to the best of us. Rather than being discouraged, we encourage you to remember that another gardening year always awaits. Either way, we wish you a beautiful gardening season. P.s., if you don’t already, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Pinterest!