To keep ants away from plants in your garden, there is no need to resort to chemical pesticides, which are harmful to the environment and to your plants too. Indeed, it is enough to cultivate in the garden certain aromatic plants known for their repellent effect, due to their scent abhorred by a good number of insects, including ants. Discover these 4 plants that repel ants and that you must have in your garden.
Among the parasites that garden or vegetable plants fear, we find aphids, mealybugs, slugs, but also ants. To keep ants away naturally and without risk from your plants, simply cultivate these aromatic plants in the garden which will delicately perfume your garden!
What are the 4 plants that keep ants away from the garden?
Some repellent plants are effective in keeping ants away from your garden. In fact, parasites do not like the scent of certain aromatic plants, such as lavender, sage, mint or basil. Growing these plants in your garden helps protect your vegetation from ants.
- Lavender to keep ants away
Lavender is a perennial shrub with aromatic and evergreen foliage. This plant, native to the west of the Mediterranean basin, is appreciated for its fragrant flowers. In addition to its medicinal properties, lavender is effective in keeping ants away from garden plants. To plant lavender, choose drained soil that is light and low in fertilizer. This helps intensify the scent of this aromatic plant, so that it is more effective against ants. If your soil is clayey, do not hesitate to add sand to make it lighter and more draining. Moreover, lavender does not like excess humidity. This can easily kill her. Also, lavender needs to be planted in full sun in order to flourish and flower. That said, the best time to plant it is spring, just after the last frost. Growing lavender is easy. This aromatic plant does not need any fertilizer to grow. On the other hand, remember to prune it regularly using pruning shears . Note that lavender is also effective in repelling aphids. You can plant it with your rose bushes, to protect them from these pests.
- Sage to get rid of ants
Sage is a perennial aromatic plant with decorative foliage. Used to flavor dishes, sage also has medicinal properties. And that’s not all. This aromatic plant is effective in repelling certain insects from the garden or vegetable patch. To benefit from its virtues, plant sage in drained, fertile and light soil. Sow it in place during spring, as sage appreciates sunny exposure. This plant is easy to care for. In early spring or late fall, fertilize it with a natural fertilizer and compost. Note that sage hates humidity. Moreover, it only needs a small supply of water. That said, you should only water it regularly in case of extreme heat. During cold periods, protect your plant with mulch. Also, sage is a resistant plant that does not fear any attack from parasites or pests.
- Mint to repel ants
Mint is a perennial and fragrant aromatic plant, ideal for flavoring dishes, but also tea and certain desserts. Easy to maintain, mint is effective in repelling insects such as mosquitoes, flies, aphids, but also ants. Unlike sage and lavender, mint likes moist, rich soil. It likes to be placed in partial shade and sheltered from the wind. Mint can be grown in the ground, in pots, or in containers or planters. Planting is done in spring, between April and May. In this case, be sure to keep a spacing of 20 to 30 cm between the plants. This aromatic plant requires little maintenance. Water it only when it is hot, to keep the soil moist, while avoiding excess humidity. Also avoid fertilizing your plant.
- Basil to keep ants away
Basil is an aromatic plant, which can be grown indoors or outdoors. Grown in the garden, this plant can keep ants away from your plants. Note that basil likes well-drained, rich and slightly cool soils. Avoid soggy soil, as basil fears excess humidity. To grow well, this aromatic plant needs warm, sunny exposure. Water your plant daily, when the weather is warm, taking care not to wet the leaves or drown the roots. However, the soil must remain moist. That said, don’t let it dry out between two waterings. You can, if you wish, fertilize your basil with an organic fertilizer for aromatic plants.
What are the best natural ant repellents?
To keep ants away, you don’t need to use chemicals that can prove harmful to your health, your plants and your pets. There are natural repellents to repel them, including: garlic , cayenne pepper, lavender, mint, lemon, basil, cinnamon powder, white chalk, coffee grounds, etc.
By growing these plants in your garden, you will be able to keep ants away easily, without using chemicals.
