marigolds

Vegetable gardening is a hobby that many people enjoy, but the care needed to make such a garden grow healthily and pest free requires plenty of effort. It is a challenge to keep your vegetable garden free from pests, but the application of chemical control methods can create more problems. As such the only solution to a pest free and healthy garden is to apply eco-friendly pest control methods. When you invest in natural forms of pest control such as repelling flowers and herbs, you get more than your money’s worth as not only will the pests be eradicated, but you also get a more beautiful garden with the addition of these flowers. In fact many vegetable gardeners now protect their gardens naturally instead of applying dangerous pest control products which can sometimes contaminate vegetables, however, when pest infestations are severe, professionals must be consulted.

1. Rosemary

This herb resembles an evergreen and it can produce lavender blossoms which can help repel flies and moths. It can be placed among plants especially carrots and cabbage as it can mask the scent of these vegetables making it difficult for pests to locate them. However, not only is rosemary beneficial to a vegetable garden as a natural form of pest control, but it is also handy when it comes to cooking delicious roasts.

2. Oregano

This is an amazing addition to any type of garden because it can keep aphids, ants and flies away. You must remember that oregano is an invasive plant which can take over large areas when planted without a barrier. This is why it is essential to have this herb planted inside a can. You can cut off the top and bottom parts of a can and insert it into the ground making sure that the top is in level with the ground so that the can will act as a barrier. Just like rosemary, it is also a useful herb to have around because they can make pasta dishes more delicious.

3. Basil

In order to repel mosquitoes and flies, you can plant basil in your garden. Its white or lavender blossoms and unique scent makes it a useful companion especially for tomatoes as basil can enhance its flavor. You can also take a few in a pot and place it in the kitchen’s window to help keep flies out and so that you can easily take a few leaves whenever needed to add to your pasta, pizza and salad recipes.

4. Mint

Like oregano, mint can also spread out quickly and choke out other vegetables. It can repel ants and aphids, while the blooms can provide a subtle color to make the garden more attractive. Mint must be planted in a submerged pot, but it can also be planted as a border so you can control its growth easily.

5. Marigolds

To make sure that your entire garden is well protected, you can plant marigolds all throughout. They can repel pests including nematodes which can attack vegetable roots. You can also plant them around your garden for a bright yellow border. They must be planted in direct sunlight and in well drained soil.

6. Nasturtiums

These colored flowers can brighten up a vegetable garden and keep beetles away as well. Not only are these flowers useful in making a garden beautiful, but the blooms can also be included in salads since they are edible.

Citations:

Photograph by: Ricorocks.

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Valerie Williams is a freelance writer specializing in natural forms of termite control in Santa Fe and other types of pest control in homes and gardens. She also provides information about natural pest control methods for vegetable gardens, how they affect lives and the various services of professionals that help treat severe infestations.

The changing of the trees into their brilliant gradients of reds, oranges and yellows can only mean that fall is here again. To most people, fall brings pleasant thoughts of Halloween, fresh apple cider, leaf piles and pumpkin pie. For many, it can also stir a desire to do some fall landscaping. With nature in the height of its colorful glory, there are so many ways to accentuate your home during the fall.

Fall-Blooming Flowers

This time of year, you can find great selections of flowers that bloom profusely in autumn. Chrysanthemums, ornamental kale, pansies and even marigolds are just a few of the available choices that look good and don’t cost much. Each of these plants comes in an enormous variety of colors and bloom sizes, so don’t be afraid to get creative. Some autumn flowers, such as chrysanthemums and pansies, will bloom clear up to the first frost. Many will even survive the winter and provide you with equally lovely color in the early spring.

Gourds

You can’t have fall without gourds. Some decorative gourds are very small, but there are also large varieties that make fantastic fall landscape accents. Pumpkins are also popular choices for their cheerful orange color and slow decomposition. Another fun idea for using gourds as landscape decorations is to paint them. Gourds with long, curved necks can be painted to look like geese, while others can be painted with faces or designs. Because painting doesn’t involve any dangerous objects, it’s a great alternative to letting the kids carve pumpkins!

Autumn Accents

More than anything, it’s the little things that remind you of fall the most. To spruce up your lawn in the fall spirit, try adding some hay bales and cornstalk bundles. They’re great for arranging your gourds around, as well as any flower containers you have. In fact, you can even plant your flowers directly into the hay bales! Just cut a hole into it, add a little soil and put the plant’s root ball inside. Make sure it stays moist.

Baskets

Baskets are closely associated with fall’s bounty. They’re also inexpensive and can be easily found at thrift and dollar stores, garage sales and antique shops. Furthermore, baskets can be found in all kinds of sizes, colors and shapes. You can place anything inside of a basket as decoration, too. Gourds, dried flowers, colorful leaves and fresh-picked apples are just a few ideas. If you have a garden, you can also use them to transport your harvest for a delicious autumn meal. Did you remember to grow sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner?

Whether youâ€™re planning a fall festival or just enjoy changing your landscaping with the seasons, Lawn ConnectionsÂ Landcapers in Keller can help.

Vegetable Gardening 101: 6 Edible Pest Repelling Herbs And Flowers