Are there full sun annuals that repel pests?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Full sun annuals such as marigolds and lantana are also effective natural pest deterrents. The strong fragrance of the flowers and secreted roots will repel insects and animals. I have placed marigolds to protect tomato plants from nematodes in client gardens and observed a 30% harvest increase without the use of pesticides. I always advocate these multitaskers in sunny beds.
Companion Planting
- Ring tomato beds with marigolds to block root-knot nematodes
- Plant chrysanthemums near patios to deter crawling insects
- Use lantana as a deer-resistant border around tender plants
Maintenance Tips
- Deadhead spent chrysanthemum blooms to sustain pyrethrin production
- Water marigolds at soil level to preserve pest-repelling oils
- Prune lantana lightly to maintain strong fragrance
Through design, enhance the power of repelling. Group lantana in fence lines where deer might enter. Scatter chrysanthemums around doorways to form insect barriers. One client's rose garden had no aphids present all spring by adding marigolds underneath. These methods tend to be more effective when paired with healthy soil and space between plant varieties.
Insect Deterrence
- Spray chrysanthemum tea (steep dried flowers) on infested plants
- Crush marigold leaves to release pest-repelling thiophenes
- Avoid hybrid varieties, stick to heirloom pest-resistant strains
Mammal Control
- Plant lantana in 3-plant clusters for stronger scent emission
- Alternate nasturtiums with garlic for compounded repellency
- Install motion-activated sprinklers near deer-favored areas
Record your success. A suburban gardener I assisted reduced cabbage worms by 80% using nasturtium companions. Share your pest-control success online. Tag organic gardening groups to help inspire others to do the same. These plants show that beauty and function can coexist without using chemicals. Now, let your garden do the fighting for you.
Read the full article: Full Sun Annuals: Blooms That Thrive in Sunshine
