Discover the best companion planting herbs to naturally repel pests, attract pollinators, and create a thriving, healthy garden.
Tired of pests ruining your harvest and your flowers? Want to reduce your use of garden chemicals? Herbs offer a natural solution. They can repel pests, attract beneficial insects, and enhance the beauty of your blooms. Plus, they’re generally easy to grow and add fresh flavor to your cooking. Growing more herbs creates a healthier, more balanced garden ecosystem where plants help each other thrive.
In this guide, we’ll chat about:
- The best herbs for repelling common garden pests and supporting healthy blooms
- How to grow and care for each herb (including USDA zones, light, soil, and harvesting tips)
- How to use companion planting to maximize pest control, plant health, and flower production
- DIY herbal pest control solutions
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The Best Companion Planting Herbs for Repelling Pests
Here’s a closer look at some of the most effective pest-repelling herbs, along with their growing requirements and companion planting benefits for flowers. (Note: USDA Hardiness Zones are general guidelines. Local microclimates can vary. Check your specific zone for the most accurate information.)
Basil ( Ocimum basilicum )
Basil, a culinary favorite, is more than just a delicious addition to your meals. This fragrant herb also boasts impressive pest-repelling properties, making it a valuable ally in the garden. Its aromatic leaves contain compounds that deter a variety of common garden pests.
- Repels: Mosquitoes, Flies, Aphids, Tomato Hornworms
- Best Planted Near: Tomatoes, Peppers, Lettuce, Roses
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Annual (Grown in zones 2-11)
- Light Needs: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
- When to Harvest: Pick leaves when plants are 6-8 inches tall, before flowering for best flavor.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Basil is a great companion plant for roses, helping to repel aphids and other pests. It’s also said to improve the fragrance of roses.
- Extra Tip: Crush basil leaves and rub them on your skin for a natural mosquito repellent!
Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender, with its calming fragrance and beautiful purple blooms, is a garden favorite for both its aesthetic appeal and its practical uses. Beyond its use in aromatherapy and perfumes, lavender also acts as a natural pest repellent, deterring a variety of insects while attracting beneficial pollinators. It’s a versatile and low-maintenance addition to any garden.
- Repels: Moths, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Whiteflies
- Best Planted Near: Fruit Trees, Roses, Vegetable Gardens, Many Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 5-9
- Light Needs: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH: 6.5-7.5
- When to Harvest: Cut flowers when buds are just opening for best fragrance.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Lavender attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, making it a wonderful companion for flowering plants of all kinds. It’s particularly beneficial for roses and other sun-loving blooms.
- Extra Tip: Hang dried lavender in your home to deter moths from closets!
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Rosemary is a fragrant, woody herb that’s a staple in many kitchens and gardens. Its needle-like leaves release a potent aroma that not only enhances culinary dishes but also acts as a natural insect repellent. This hardy herb is relatively drought-tolerant and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
- Repels: Cabbage Moths, Mosquitoes, Carrot Flies, Slugs
- Best Planted Near: Cabbage, Carrots, Beans, Brassicas, Many Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 7-10 (Can be grown as an annual in colder zones)
- Light Needs: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
- When to Harvest: Snip sprigs any time, but best before flowering for strongest oils.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Rosemary deters pests from a wide variety of flowering plants. Its strong scent can confuse many insects that might otherwise attack blooms.
- Extra Tip: Burn rosemary sprigs in a firepit to naturally keep mosquitoes away!
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a vigorous and refreshing herb known for its invigorating scent and versatile uses. From flavoring teas and desserts to acting as a natural pest deterrent, mint is a valuable addition to any garden. Its fast-growing nature, however, means it can become invasive if not properly contained.
- Repels: Ants, Aphids, Fleas, Cabbage Moths, Mosquitoes
- Best Planted Near: Cabbage, Tomatoes, Carrots (Or in pots to prevent spreading), Some Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-8
- Light Needs: Partial to full sun
- Soil Type: Moist, rich soil
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.5
- When to Harvest: Regularly pinch stems to encourage bushy growth; harvest before flowering for best flavor.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: While mint can be aggressive, it can be a good companion for some flowers, repelling aphids and other pests. However, it’s best to keep it contained in pots near more delicate blooms.
- Extra Tip: Scatter fresh mint leaves around ant trails for a natural deterrent!
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a low-growing, aromatic herb prized for its culinary uses and its ability to attract beneficial insects. Its small leaves pack a powerful flavor punch and offer a subtle yet effective way to deter certain garden pests. This versatile herb thrives in sunny, dry conditions.
- Repels: Whiteflies, Tomato Hornworms, Cabbage Worms
- Best Planted Near: Cabbage, Tomatoes, Strawberries, Some Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 5-9
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining, sandy or loamy
- Soil pH: 6.0-8.0
- When to Harvest: Cut sprigs before flowering for the strongest essential oils.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Thyme can help repel pests from some flowering plants, but its primary benefit is its ability to attract beneficial insects.
- Extra Tip: Make a thyme spray by steeping the leaves in water and spritzing plants to repel pests!
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a flavorful and attractive member of the onion family, offering a mild oniony taste to dishes and a range of benefits to the garden. Their delicate, grass-like leaves and attractive purple flowers not only add visual appeal but also deter certain pests and attract pollinators. Chives are a relatively low-maintenance herb, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
- Repels: Japanese Beetles, Aphids, Carrot Flies
- Best Planted Near: Roses, Carrots, Tomatoes, Many Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
- Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining, rich in organic matter
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
- When to Harvest: Trim leaves when they reach 6 inches; flowers are also edible!
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Chives deter aphids that can damage flower buds and also enhance the growth of roses. They also attract pollinators.
- Extra Tip: Chives also enhance the flavor of tomatoes when planted nearby!
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is a tall, feathery herb known for its distinct flavor and its ability to attract beneficial insects to the garden. Its delicate leaves and aromatic seeds are used in a variety of culinary applications, while its flowers provide a valuable food source for pollinators. Dill is an annual herb that adds both beauty and functionality to any garden.
- Repels: Aphids, Spider Mites, Squash Bugs
- Best Planted Near: Cucumbers, Lettuce, Squash, Flowering Herbs
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Annual (Zones 2-11)
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil
- Soil pH: 5.5-6.5
- When to Harvest: Harvest leaves anytime; seeds are ready when seed heads turn brown.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Dill attracts beneficial insects that pollinate many flowering herbs and vegetables. It’s a particularly good companion for flowering umbellifers like fennel and Queen Anne’s Lace.
- Extra Tip: Allow some dill to flower—it attracts pollinators while deterring bad bugs!
Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are vibrant, cheerful flowers that bring a burst of color to any garden. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, marigolds are powerful companion plants, known for their ability to repel a wide range of soil pests and attract beneficial insects. Their easy-care nature and long blooming season make them a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.
- Repels: Nematodes, many soil pests
- Best Planted Near: Almost anything! Marigolds are great companion plants.
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies by species, typically annual
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
- When to Harvest: Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Marigolds are excellent companion plants for virtually all flowering plants, as they deter nematodes and other soil pests that can harm roots and reduce flower production. They also attract beneficial insects.
Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic, a pungent and flavorful staple in cuisines worldwide, is also a valuable ally in the garden. Beyond its culinary uses, garlic’s strong aroma and natural compounds act as a powerful deterrent against various pests and even some fungal diseases. This versatile plant is relatively easy to grow and offers a range of benefits to both the gardener and the garden ecosystem.
- Repels: Aphids, Japanese Beetles, Slugs, Snails, and more.
- Best Planted Near: Roses, fruit trees, and many vegetables, Some Flowers
- USDA Hardiness Zone: Varies by variety, generally 3-9
- Light Needs: Full sun
- Soil Type: Well-draining
- Soil pH: 6.0-7.0
- When to Harvest: Harvest bulbs when the tops start to turn yellow and fall over.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Garlic can help protect roses and other flowers from fungal diseases and pests. However, some gardeners find its strong scent overpowering near delicate flowers. Planting it strategically, rather than directly next to every bloom, can be a good compromise.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Catnip, a member of the mint family, is well-known for its alluring effect on cats, but it also offers several benefits to the garden. Beyond attracting feline friends, catnip’s aromatic leaves contain compounds that repel a variety of insects. This hardy herb is relatively easy to grow and can add a touch of whimsy to any garden.
- Repels: Aphids, Fleas, Mosquitoes, Squash Bugs, Ants
- Best Planted Near: Vegetable gardens, Some Flowers, but be mindful it attracts cats!
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-draining
- Soil pH: 6.0-8.0
- When to Harvest: Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the strongest scent.
- Companion Planting for Blooms: Catnip can repel pests from some flowering plants, but its main benefit is its ability to attract pollinators (and cats!). If you’re not concerned about attracting cats, it can be a good addition to a flower garden.
How to Use Companion Planting Herbs as Natural Pest Control and Bloom Boosters
Companion Planting
Strategically place pest-repelling and bloom-boosting herbs near vulnerable plants and flowers. For example, plant basil near tomatoes and roses, rosemary near cabbage and various flowers, and marigolds throughout your garden.
DIY Herbal Pest Sprays
- Basic Recipe: Combine 1 cup of boiling water with 1 cup of chopped fresh herbs (mint, rosemary, thyme, or a combination). Let steep for 24 hours. Strain the mixture and add a few drops of dish soap as a surfactant. Pour into a spray bottle.
- Other Options: Garlic and neem oil can also be added to herbal pest sprays.
- Application: Spray plants thoroughly, especially the undersides of leaves, where pests often hide. Reapply after rain or every 7-10 days as needed. Be mindful of spraying open blooms; it’s generally best to spray early in the morning or late in the evening when pollinators are less active.
- Storage: Store leftover spray in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Crushed Leaves as Mulch
Sprinkle fresh or dried, crushed herbs (especially strong-smelling ones like mint, rosemary, and lavender) around the base of plants and flowers as a natural pest deterrent and mulch. Replenish the herbs every few weeks as their potency diminishes.
Potted Companion Planting Herbs Around Patios & Gardens
Place pots of lavender, rosemary, basil, and other pest-repelling and pollinator-attracting herbs around patios, decks, and garden entrances to create a fragrant barrier against mosquitoes and other flying insects and to attract pollinators to your garden. Choose pot sizes appropriate for the herb and its mature size. Consider grouping several different herbs together in larger containers for a more diverse and effective approach.
Common Garden Pests and the Companion Planting Herbs That Repel Them
Growing Tips for Companion Planting Herbs
- Starting from Seed vs. Transplants: Starting from seed is generally more economical, but transplants offer a head start. Some herbs, like rosemary, can be slow to germinate from seed.
- Fertilizing: Most herbs don’t require heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing can actually reduce the potency of their essential oils. A light application of compost or organic fertilizer in the spring is usually sufficient.
- Watering: Herbs generally prefer well-drained soil. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender are more drought-tolerant.
To learn more about how to grow an herb garden, read this easy to follow post.
🌿 Download Your Printable Herb Pest-Repelling Cheat Sheet!
Want a handy reference guide? Click HERE to download your free printable herb pest-repelling cheat sheet!
Final Thoughts About Companion Planting Herbs
My love for gardening and herbs spans over 25 years, but it wasn’t until about 10 years ago that I truly embraced the potential of companion planting. I began experimenting, observing which herb combinations worked best in my own garden.
Now, strategic placement is a key practice in my potager. I’ve seen firsthand how some herbs act as trap plants, effectively keeping aphids and other pests at bay, while others contribute to the overall health and vigor of my vegetables and cut flower garden.
By incorporating these pest-repelling herbs into your garden, you can create a beautiful, fragrant, and healthy ecosystem while enjoying fresh herbs for cooking. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and embrace the natural power of herbs for a beautiful and bountiful garden!
What are your favorite pest-repelling herbs that work well in your garden? Let’s chat about it more in the comments below.
For more information about companion planting in the home garden, see this article from the University of Minnesota Cooperative Extension.
Want to learn more about how to grow an herb or vegetable garden? Check out the following posts I wrote.
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Enjoy your day! xo
