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Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Double Duty Plants

Last week, I posted about marigolds.  I mentioned that marigolds were useful in keeping away nematodes, worms that are harmful to tomatoes and potatoes.  They also deter squash bugs, tomato hornworms, and whiteflies.

Marigolds are not the only plants that can serve dual purposes.  Here's a list of other herbs and vegetables that can keep the pests out of your garden:

Peppermint:  This sweet smelling plant repels ants, white cabbage moths, and aphids.

Garlic:  It's stinky, but it discourages aphids, fleas, Japanese beetles, and spider mites.

Chives:  These plants help keep away aphids and spider mites.  They also help keep black spot disease off of roses.

Basil:  This popular Italian herb keeps away the flies and mosquitoes.

Radishes:  These plants discourage cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and stink bugs.

These are some pretty amazing plants.  Did you know they were natural pesticides?

14 comments:

  1. mosquitos dislike peppermint too

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  2. I need to plant all of those if we ever hope to have a garden!

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  3. I remember when I read about what to spray fruit trees with the article said to blend garlic, onions, dish soap and water in a blender. I guess bugs don't like smelly things.

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    1. Haha! That combination would keep me away, too!

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  4. Thanks for sharing. These are just what we need for those tomato and cantaloupe invaders.

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  5. Hi Sherry .. I did know - but having not gardened in years and previously in South Africa - one forgets these things .. great reminders ..

    Cheers Hilary

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    1. If you start gardening again, these tips will be here, so you can come back to remind yourself.

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  6. Thanks for the information. Very helpful to know for future planting.

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    1. You're welcome. I'm glad you found this information useful.

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  7. Oh that's cool. We have all these outside - most in pots.

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    1. That's great! Hopefully they are keeping away the pests!

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