Ants can be a real nuisance in the garden and damage your plants. Fortunately, it is possible to get rid of them by adopting repellent plants in your green space. One thing is certain: you will repel these insects in no time and effectively protect your plants!
To keep ants away, you just need the right plants. To make matters worse, these are easy to plant and bring a lovely scent to your garden. These plants attract predators of these sometimes harmful insects to your green space!
Four plants that keep ants away in the garden
1. Peppermint
Peppermint has a repellent effect on ants. It flourishes in sunny or semi-shaded places. The soil should be moist and rich in humus. It is a hardy plant that does not need special care. To control the luxuriant growth of mint, you should place it in a large pot, which you then transplant into the ground. The plant will need to be pruned regularly. Mint can also be grown on a balcony or terrace.
2. Thyme
Although thyme doesn’t have as intense a smell as mint, it also makes an excellent ant repellent. It is a perennial plant , reaching a height of around 30 cm. It grows best in well-drained soil and a sunny location. This plant is native to Mediterranean regions, so it does not tolerate cold and excess humidity. In winter, you must protect it from frost by covering it with a layer of straw.
3. Marjoram
Marjoram will not only help you keep ants away in the garden but it will also be a beautiful plant to decorate your home. The plant thrives in warm, sunny locations and the soil should be fertile, permeable, with a slightly alkaline pH. It is grown as an annual plant but it freezes in winter.
4. Lavender
The compounds in lavender not only repel ants but also repel mosquitoes , flies and ticks. Lavender should be planted in the immediate vicinity of roses to protect them from aphids. The plant thrives in warm, sunny, dry locations and well-drained calcareous soils. It is drought resistant. Lavender can be planted to scent the house. It is perfect for flower beds as well as balconies and terraces.
Remember that ants should not be treated solely as pests. Their presence in the garden also has many advantages. Among them:
- They feed on parasites.
- Their droppings (including nitrogen) fertilize the soil
- Thanks to ants, many plants grow such as violets, anemones and snowdrops.
