20 Plants That Repel Pesky Aphids

Let’s face it, aphids have been a thorn in the side of gardeners across the globe for decades. These pesky insects can take a toll on a variety of plants and even kill off younger or weaker ones entirely. While having some aphids present in your garden isn’t a great cause for concern, large numbers can be very damaging and difficult to control. Here are 20 plants you can add to your garden that repel aphids naturally and offer a wealth of different benefits.

1. Dill

It’s no secret that aphids have a strong distaste for many herbs. Dill is among these, and in addition to being a powerful repellent, it’s also delicious and healthy.

2. Onion

For many, onions are a kitchen staple. Growing these will help keep aphids at bay and keep your pantry stocked.

3. Rosemary

Strong-scented herbs like rosemary are among some of aphids least favorite plants.

4. Garlic

Similarly to onions, aphids dislike the fragrance of garlic. Planting this will help keep them far away from the other vegetables in your garden.

5. Mint

Mint has been used as a popular natural insect repellent for years. After harvesting, gardeners can combine the leaves with other ingredients such as water and vinegar to create a bug spray.

6. Basil

Basil is a very effective repellent and a popular component in many recipes, so why not grow some and kill two birds with one stone?

7. Lavender

Many people agree that the scent of lavender is incredibly relaxing. However, it seems to have the opposite effect on aphids, making this plant a win-win.

8. Leeks

Much like onions and garlic, the aroma that leeks exude is a bit too strong for many insects’ tastes.

9. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a popular herb used in a variety of cooking. Adding this strong scent to your garden will repel a variety of pest insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, aphids, and fleas.

10. Nasturtiums

Unlike other repellents we’ve discussed today, nasturtiums are beneficial for a different reason. This plant is beloved by aphids, and many gardeners plant it hoping that the aphids will choose it instead and ignore other more important vegetables in their garden.

11. Sage

Sage is a wonderful herb that has the ability to naturally repel aphids, lower cholesterol, improve immune function, improve memory, and relieve inflammation.

12. Catnip

Cat lovers and aphid-hating gardeners alike will be delighted to learn that growing catnip at home is quick, easy, and stress-free.

13. Garlic Chives

According to Heritage Garden, “Garlic chives discourage the spread of Japanese beetles, slugs, aphids and cabbage worms, so place them where plants in full sun have a problem with these insect infestations.”

14. Fennel

Fennel is known to repel snails and slugs in addition to repelling aphids.

15. Thyme

Thyme, like many other strongly scented herbs, deters a variety of insects from any garden.

16. Oregano

By this time, you may have noticed a pattern in many of the entries on this list. Generally speaking, aphids can’t stand herbs, so plating a large, varied herb garden is a surefire way to guarantee these little creatures stay far away.

17. Cilantro

Cilantro can be a divisive herb, while some people can’t get enough of it, others argue that the taste is similar to soap. However you feel, one thing is for certain: this plant is one that aphids can’t stand to be around.

18. Yarrow

Instead of acting as an aphid repellent, yarrow instead acts as a ladybug attractor. Ladybugs are one of the aphids’ primary predators, so planting things that they like will inevitably help stunt the aphid population in your garden.

19. Geraniums

Similar to cilantro and yarrow, geraniums are another plant that ladybugs love. Planting this will bring them to your garden and help keep the aphid population under control.

20. Petunias

Petunias add a pop of vibrant color to any garden, and they also act as a natural repellent. In addition to being disliked by aphids, tomato hornworms, and beetles tend to stay far away from them as well.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © stockcreations/Shutterstock.com