“One marigold plant isnt going to protect your tomato garden,” he says.
“You need rows of marigolds or other plants to do the job.”
If you’re intrigued in gathering up protective plants, take a look at this list of 20 below.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
Meet the Expert
Bob Gilbertis a board-certified entomologist atBlue Sky Pest Control.
Lavender is a calming and relaxing scent for many humans, but many bugs don’t like it.
Want more gardening tips?
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Basil is a tasty and nice-smelling addition to your garden.
Plants like basil help “reduce plant-feeding pests,” according to Gilbert.
This list of herbs also includes garlic, dill, lavender, mint, and rosemary.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Marigold
Wards off:Nematodes, tomato hornworms, thrips, wasps, and mosquitoes.
Gilbert says that flowers such as marigolds can be effective as well for repelling certain insects.
They add a bright pop of colorand are great companionsfor tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, and others.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Plant rows of these close to other plants for the maximum effect.
Even better is that it’s pretty easy to start and grow in your garden.
They’re also great for deterring bugs.
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
They alsoattract hummingbirdsand other beneficial pollinators.
Rosemary
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Wards off:Mosquitoes, flies, and other insects.
Position it around plants that are more susceptible to pests so its scent can be most effective.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Another plant with a delightful smell, lemongrass is perfect for warding off bugs.
It doesn’t normally suffer from major diseases or pest problems, making it a hardy choice.
Geraniums
Wards off:Flies, Japanese beetles, and mosquitoes.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
When it’s surrounding other plants, its fragrance will help send pests heading elsewhere.
These gorgeouspest-repelling plantscan be great seasonal deterrents.
In fact, one species of chrysanthemum even has achemical compound called pyrethrinthat’s used in insecticides.
Jeremy Villasis / Getty Images
Garlic is a top-tier pest deterrent.
Dill
Wards off:Spider mites, aphids, cabbage moths, and squash bugs.
The strong scent of dill is another great pick for repelling pests.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Chives
Wards off:Aphids, carrot flies, and Japanese beetles.
Like garlic, chives make a pungent pest deterrent.
The soft leaves and gentle smell of sage is a sensory treat for gardens.
The Spruce / Letícia Almeida
Luckily, many pests don’t enjoy this plant like humans do.
Place it near other herbs for a major pest-repelling patch.
Onion
Wards off:Aphids, rabbits, beetles, carrot flies, and mosquitoes.
The Spruce / K. Dave
You’re likely familiar with the nose-scrunching, tear-jerking aroma of onions.
Calendula
Wards off:Nematodes, tomato hornworm, and beetles.
Calendula comes from the same family as chrysanthemums and daisies and it’s relatively resistant to pests.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
It can be a great companion plant option in vegetable gardens.
It keeps annoying critters away but brings in pollinators.
Borage
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
Wards off:Hornworms and cabbageworms.
The Spruce / Randi Rhoades
Borage produces vibrant blue flowers and is a magnet for pollinatorsa benefit to any garden.
Use it to banish annoying worms and protect tomato crops.
With its delicate rounded leaves, thyme is a pretty addition to your garden and an edible plant.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
Use its nice fragrance to combat a range of worms, mites, and insects.
So why have it in your garden?
Some people find that nasturtiums work best as a trap crop.
The Spruce / K. Dave
A wide variety of bugs hate plants that are extremely aromatic.
This includes herbs like rosemary and lavender, and other plants such as garlic and marigolds.
The Spruce / Kara Riley
The Spruce / Autumn Wood
The Spruce / Almar Creative
The Spruce / Adelyn Duchala
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
