Aphids may be tiny, but they can cause big problems in the garden. These sap-sucking insects cluster on stems, leaves, and flower buds, weakening plants and sometimes spreading disease.
If you’re looking for a natural way to discourage them, a few strategically placed ginger, lemongrass and chives plants may help make your garden less inviting to these unwanted visitors.
Why ginger may help keep aphids away
Ginger is a delicious addition to teas, baked goods and sweet and savoury dishes. When you grow your own, it may also pull double duty by helping make your garden less inviting to aphids.
Research has found that compounds in ginger can be harmful to certain aphid species, making it an interesting option for gardeners looking to reduce pest pressure naturally. While scientists have studied ginger extracts more than live ginger plants growing in garden beds, its strong aroma may help contribute to a more pest-resistant growing space.
As a bonus, ginger’s lush green foliage adds texture and interest to the garden. Some gardeners also make homemade ginger sprays by blending ginger and water, straining out the solids, and then spraying it on the plants.
Lemongrass is useful, too
With its fresh citrus scent and striking grassy foliage, lemongrass earns its place in both the kitchen and the garden. The plant contains citronella-related compounds that are known to repel some insects, and many gardeners grow it as part of a broader natural pest-management strategy.
Lemongrass also adds height, movement and fragrance to garden beds, while helping create a more diverse planting environment.
Chives add a third insect-repelling option
Planting chives may help deter aphids because their strong onion-like scent can confuse or repel these pesky pests, making it harder for them to locate vulnerable plants. Chives also attract beneficial insects, including hoverflies and ladybirds, whose larvae feed on aphids, helping to keep numbers down naturally.
For best results, plant chives near aphid-prone crops such as roses, tomatoes, lettuce, peas, beans and brassicas. They work well as edging plants around vegetable beds, tucked between rows, or in pots placed beside susceptible plants. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and allow them to flower to support pollinators too.
Other natural ways to control aphids in your garden
If aphids have already moved in, these simple methods can help keep their numbers under control:
- Spray plants with a strong stream of water to knock aphids off leaves and stems.
- Prune away heavily infested leaves or shoots.
- Remove small clusters by hand if the infestation is limited.
- Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps, which naturally feed on aphids.
- Avoid over-fertilising plants, since excessive new growth can attract aphids.
Aphids can be stubborn, but combining companion plants with a few simple control methods can help keep your garden healthy without relying on harsh chemical treatments.
Natural pest repellent
Charlyne Mattox is the Food and Crafts director with over 20 years recipe development, recipe editing, and crafting experience. Prior to starting at Country Living in 2014, she worked in the crafts department at Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Kids before attending cooking school at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. She was nominated for a James Beard media award while a senior editor at Real Simple magazine and authored a cookbook Cooking with Seeds.
When not in the kitchen she loves to garden, focusing on growing flowers and kitchen herbs (of course), watering her 25 house plants, and knitting scarfs or hats she will never be able to wear in the always hot and steamy Alabama.
