Do mint plants repel common garden pests effectively?

Mint's pest management claim is somewhat misleading, based on my 10 years of growing herbs. Mint does have a strong aroma that may repel some insects, but it shouldn't replace good pest management. I have seen ants navigate easily around a mint patch. And aphids have fed on new growth. Knowing this balance assists with good plans for the garden.

Conduct scheduled inspections every 3-4 days throughout the growing season. Observe the undersides of your plants for signs of early pest infestation. You can use a magnifying glass to look for spider mite eggs. Always remove affected leaves immediately. Taking these precautionary measures can reduce major infestations in the future.

Natural methods are the most effective way to deal with mint pests. Release ladybugs to assist in controlling aphids. If the humidity is high, consider spraying with neem oil once a week. You can make garlic-pepper sprays to deter chewing insects. Do not use any chemicals that kill beneficial insects.

Environmental controls mitigate pest pressures. Make sure plants have proper-air circulation around them. Avoid watering over the head, as this promotes humidity. Instead, use a drip irrigation system. Healthy mint plants naturally resist pests much better than stressed plants.

Recognize the drawbacks of mint as a pest control method. It kills or repels all insects in the garden. Use mint in conjunction with other plants that repel insects to expand the area of coverage. To monitor and evaluate effectiveness, use sticky traps. It might be helpful to shape strategies based on the seasonal patterns of pests.

Read the full article: How to Grow Mint: A Complete Beginner Guide