7 Miracle Plants Gardeners Always Grow to Keep Pests Away

Whether you're planting blooms for bouquets or fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy this summer, one thing is certain: you won't be the only one interested in what's growing. Garden pests will be just as keen on your new plants as you are.

To keep insects, worms, and rodents at bay, expert gardeners suggest using companion planting. This method acts as a natural deterrent among your flowers and veggies by confusing bugs' senses of smell.

We spoke to four gardening pros from around the world, and these are the seven miracle plants that received their stamp of approval this growing season.

Rosemary

One of the top herbs Carrie Spoonemore suggests planting to keep your vegetable garden free of pests is rosemary.

"Herbs are a fantastic choice as companion plants," says Carrie Spoonemore, founder of Seed to Spoon. "They are more than just flavor boosters for your cooking—they're also natural defenders in your garden."

Thanks to its strong scent, rosemary is often used to make natural mosquito repellent and is effective for keeping insects away.

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Basil

Perfect for picking to serve in a Caprese salad, growing the summery herb basil is a go-to for naturally repelling a variety of insects, both in your garden and during your next outdoor gathering.

"One of my favorite companion plants is basil, which I use to improve the flavor of tomatoes and keep hornworms at bay," says Dagny Kream from The Cottage Peach. "It also repels mosquitoes, can help give you a bigger tomato harvest, and you can easily multiply basil plants with cuttings."

Mint

We love adding the refreshing, uplifting scent and taste of mint to our beverages and desserts during the summer—but according to our experts, pests like insects and mice do not share the same enthusiasm.

"The smell of mint wards off ants and aphids," Spoonemore explains. "Plus, this herb is easy to grow and makes your garden smell amazing."

For those hoping to attract more positive pollinators like bees or butterflies to their backyards, mint is also an excellent companion plant.

Thyme

For those living in warm and dry climates, another fragrant herb to try pairing with both your berries and vegetables is thyme—specifically lemon thyme. Like rosemary and mint, its scent is a natural bug repellent, effective on a variety of insects.

"Planting thyme near your strawberries can discourage worms and enhance the health and yield of your plants," says Spoonemore.

Allium/Chives

According to Amy Chapman of In the Cottage Garden, chives are excellent companion plants for carrots, tomatoes, and roses.

"Their oniony scent is a defense mechanism that repels bugs like carrot flies and aphids—once you have a few plants, you can multiply them by dividing them."

The pest-repelling benefits chives provide are also present in the rest of the allium family, which includes staples like garlic, onions, and leeks, as well as flowering varieties that cut flower gardener Emily Lucas loves to use in her beds.

Marigolds

Spoonemore shares that marigolds aren't just beautiful; they're great at repelling pests like nematodes and aphids.

"I tend to plant marigolds and their relative, calendula, in all of my flower beds as a first choice for companion planting," Lucas adds.

Our gardening experts all recommend planting these bright blooms around the borders of garden beds to act as a first line of defense against pests.

"Pop some marigolds next to your tomatoes to keep tomato hornworms away, near your beans to deter bean beetles, or near cabbage and broccoli to keep cabbage moths at bay," Spoonemore suggests.

Nasturtiums

For a touch of tropical aesthetics—and a pest deterrent—in your garden, Lucas and Chapman opt for the warm-toned red, orange, peach, and yellow nasturtium flowers.

"Nasturtiums make a great trap crop," Chapman says. "Pests like aphids and cabbage white caterpillars will prefer your nasturtiums over your precious vegetables."

3 Great Tips from Gardeners on Controlling Pests

Plant to encourage pollinators and predatory insects

Lucas recommends planting different varieties to encourage beneficial insects that will prey on pests.

"Spending the time to cultivate a healthy ecosystem of predatory bugs helps and keeps chemicals out of your garden."

Use natural scents and sustainable solutions

Aromatic plants and herbs help repel pests or distract them from the crops you are trying to grow, according to Kream. For example, the strong scent of thyme and chives helps deter pests by masking the scent of veggies and flowers.

"Using herbs or distraction plants like edible nasturtiums ensures your plants get some protection, but the space is still being put to good use," Chapman says.

Research in advance

Spoonemore suggests considering your companion plants well before the first pest finds its way to your vegetable garden. Research companion planting and organic pest management tips when you're adding crops to your garden.