Are pests taking over your garden? Before you reach for chemical pesticides, consider a more natural and sustainable solution — companion planting . This time-tested method uses specific plants to repel pests , attract beneficial insects , and even improve soil health .
In this article, we’ll explore 25 of the best companion plants for pest control, how they work, and where to plant them in your garden for optimal results. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, these natural allies will help you maintain a thriving, healthy garden — without harmful chemicals.
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What is Companion Planting for Pest Control?
Companion plantingis the practice of growing certain plants together to enhance growth, deter pests, and promote biodiversity in your garden. Some plants naturally produce compounds or scents that repel harmful insects , while others attract beneficial pollinators and predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
This organic gardening strategy not only reduces the need for synthetic pesticides but also improves crop yields and overall garden health. It’s an essential technique for anyone interested in natural pest management, sustainable gardening, or permaculture practices.
Top 25 Companion Plants That Repel Garden Pests
1. Basil – The Herb That Keeps Aphids Away
Basil isn’t just a culinary favorite; it’s also a natural pest deterrent . Its aromatic oils repel mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies. Plant basil near tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to protect them from pests and potentially improve their flavor.
Tip: Grow basil in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Prune regularly to encourage lush growth.
2. Mint – A Natural Deterrent for Ants and Flies
Mint, especially peppermint, deters ants, flies, spiders, and even mice. Its strong scent confuses pests and masks the smell of other crops.
Tip: Mint spreads quickly, so grow it in containers or along garden borders to avoid overcrowding.
3. Rosemary – Repels Carrot Flies and Cabbage Loopers
Rosemary’s woody fragrance helps repel carrot flies and cabbage loopers. It also attracts bees and other pollinators, supporting a healthier garden ecosystem.
Tip: Plant rosemary near carrots, beans, broccoli, and cabbage. Avoid planting it near mint.
4. Thyme – Fights Whiteflies and Aphids
Thyme releases aromatic oils that deter pests like cabbage worms, whiteflies, and aphids. Its tiny flowers also attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.
Tip: Use thyme as a ground cover between vegetable rows or around the edges of your garden.
5. Lavender – Keeps Moths and Mosquitoes at Bay
Lavender’s soothing scent repels moths, fleas, and mosquitoes. It’s particularly useful around roses (to keep aphids away) and fruit trees (to deter moths).
Tip: Plant lavender in full sun with good air circulation to prevent mildew.
6. Marigolds – A Natural Nematode Fighter
Marigolds are one of the most popular flowers for pest control . Their roots release a compound called alpha-terthiol, which deters nematodes. They also repel aphids, whiteflies, and beetles.
Tip: Plant marigolds around tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers for added protection.
7. Nasturtium – Lures Aphids Away
Nasturtiums act as a trap crop , luring aphids, squash bugs, and whiteflies away from your main crops. Plus, their colorful blooms attract pollinators.
Tip: Plant nasturtiums near brassicas, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Harvest the edible leaves and flowers for salads!
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide used in many organic pest control products. They repel ants, roaches, ticks, and lice.
Tip: Place chrysanthemums around garden borders or near pest-prone areas.
9. Calendula – Protects Tomatoes from Worms
Calendula (also known as pot marigold) attracts aphids away from other plants and traps them on its sticky leaves. It also repels tomato worms.
Tip: Start calendula seeds indoors or sow directly after the last frost.
10. Petunias – Repel Bean and Tomato Pests
Petunias naturally repel pests that target beans, squash, and potatoes. They also attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Tip: Plant petunias near tomatoes, beans, and squash for dual benefits.
11. Garlic – Repels Aphids and Spider Mites
Garlic’s pungent aroma keeps aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and even gophers away. It pairs well with roses, tomatoes, and peppers.
Tip: Plant garlic in the fall for summer harvest. Avoid planting near legumes.
12. Onions – Keep Aphids and Rabbits Away
Onions deter aphids, Japanese beetles, and rabbits. Their scent masks nearby crops, making them less attractive to pests.
Tip: Grow onions alongside tomatoes, carrots, and brassicas.
13. Radishes – Trap Crop for Flea Beetles
Radishes attract flea beetles and other pests, drawing them away from leafy greens and brassicas. Their deep roots also break up compacted soil.
Tip: Sow radish seeds early and thin seedlings for best results.
14. Leeks – Repel Carrot and Onion Flies
Leeks mask the scent of neighboring plants and repel carrot and onion flies. They’re ideal companions for root vegetables.
Tip: Space leeks 6 inches apart and provide rich, well-drained soil.
15. Chives – Natural Aphid Deterrent
Chives repel aphids, Japanese beetles, and some fungal infections. They’re especially helpful when planted near roses and fruit trees.
Tip: Harvest chives regularly to maintain their pest-repelling power.
16. Borage – Attracts Bees and Repels Hornworms
Borage repels tomato hornworms and cabbage worms while attracting bees and improving soil health by releasing nutrients.
Tip: Let borage self-seed for continuous growth year after year.
17. Dill – Lures Beneficial Insects
Dill attracts predatory insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps. Its feathery foliage also repels squash bugs and cabbage moths.
Tip: Avoid planting dill near carrots to prevent cross-pollination issues.
18. Fennel – Attracts Ladybugs and Wasps
Fennel’s licorice-like scent repels slugs and snails. It also attracts ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on aphids.
Tip: Plant fennel in dedicated spaces due to its allelopathic properties.
19. Catnip – Repels Flea Beetles and Ants
Catnip’s minty aroma repels flea beetles, ants, aphids, and squash bugs. It also attracts pollinators.
Tip: Grow catnip along garden borders or near brassicas.
20. Tansy – Deters Aphids and Beetles
Tansy repels aphids, ants, and beetles. It’s especially useful near beans, cabbage, and tomatoes.
Tip: Space tansy plants 18–24 inches apart to avoid overshadowing smaller plants.
21. Sunflowers – Trap Crop for Aphids and Caterpillars
Sunflowers lure aphids and caterpillars away from other crops. They also attract pollinators and birds that eat pests.
Tip: Plant sunflowers along garden edges to act as a natural barrier.
22. Zinnias – Attract Ladybugs and Parasitic Wasps
Zinnias attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and lacewings. These predators help control aphids, whiteflies, and cabbage worms.
Tip: Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering and pest control.
23. Mustard Greens – Repel Aphids and Cabbage Worms
Mustard greens emit a pungent odor that deters aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. They also belong to the brassica family, which naturally repels pests.
Tip: Plant mustard greens around tomatoes, cabbage, and broccoli.
24. Clover – Fixes Nitrogen and Attracts Beneficial Insects
Clover fixes nitrogen in the soil, enriches the soil, suppresses weeds, and attracts pollinators and predatory insects.
Tip: Use clover as a living mulch between rows or under fruit trees.
25. Buckwheat – Boosts Pollinators and Soil Health
Buckwheat attracts bees, hoverflies, and ladybugs. It also improves soil structure and acts as a cover crop.
Tip: Sow buckwheat between seasons or during crop rotations.
How to Use Companion Plants for Pest Control
To maximize the effectiveness of companion planting:
Intercrop pest-repelling plants with vulnerable crops.
Use trap crops like radishes, sunflowers, and nasturtiums to draw pests away.
Create living mulches using clover or buckwheat to suppress weeds and attract beneficial insects.
Plant pest-repelling herbs and flowers around garden borders and among vegetables.
Final Thoughts: Build a Healthier Garden Naturally
Companion planting is more than just a gardening trick — it’s a holistic approach to organic pest control , soil improvement , and biodiversity . By strategically placing these 25 companion plants , you can reduce pest problems, support pollinators, and grow a more resilient garden.
Ready to start your own natural pest control garden?
