Natural Insecticides

When dealing with pests and insects in your garden, it is important to know that not all insects are created equal. Indeed, some insects can destroy your garden; but others actually help your garden by keeping those unwanted bugs away. Before applying pesticides to your garden, that can actually do more harm than good, consider growing a wide variety of plant species that can encourage insects and animals that can provide a benefit to your garden, or discourage those unwanted critters.

Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects

Angelica: Hoverflies
Anise: Hoverflies, lady beetles, parasitic wasps
Calendula: Hoverflies
Coriander: Lacewings
Dill: Bees, hoverflies, lady beetles, spiders, wasps
Evening Primrose: Butterflies, pollinating moths
Fennel: Hoverflies, lady beetles, parasitic wasps
Morning Glory: Hoverflies, lady beetles
Yarrow: Hoverflies, lady beetles, parasitic wasps

Plants That Keep Insects Away From vegetables

Basil: Flies, mosquitoes
Horseradish: Beetles, potato bugs
Marigolds: Squash bugs, tomato hornworms, whiteflies
Mint: Ants, aphids, flea beetles, white cabbage moths
Nasturtiums: Potato bugs, squash bugs, whiteflies
Radishes: Cucumber beetles
Rosemary: Bean beetles, cabbage moths, carrot flies
Sage: Bean beetles, cabbage moths, carrot flies
Tansy: Ants