When you’re planning your garden or yard, it helps to know which plants might attract pests. Understanding this can save you from dealing with unwanted insects and damage to your greenery.
Some popular plants naturally draw pests, so being aware of these can help you protect your outdoor space better. By recognizing which plants tend to attract insects, you can make smarter choices about what to grow and how to manage your garden’s health.
Tulips
If you grow tulips, you might notice pests like snails and slugs munching on the leaves and flowers. These pests leave irregular holes that can damage your plants.
You may also find squirrels, rabbits, mice, or even deer nibbling on tulip bulbs. Protecting your tulips early can help keep them healthy and vibrant throughout the season.
Roses
If you love growing roses, be aware they can attract pests like aphids and spider mites. These pests feed on rose leaves and buds, which might harm your plants.
To protect your roses, consider planting companion flowers like sweet alyssum nearby. They help attract beneficial insects that eat harmful pests, keeping your garden healthy.
Tomatoes
If you grow tomatoes, be aware they can attract pests like aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms. These pests feed on your plants and can weaken them.
You might want to plant pest-repelling companions like basil or marigold nearby to help protect your tomatoes naturally. Keep an eye on your plants to catch infestations early and keep your garden healthy.
Grapevines
If you grow grapevines, be aware they can attract pests like aphids and beetles. These insects may damage leaves and reduce fruit quality.
You can plant marigolds nearby to help repel some pests naturally. Nasturtiums are another good choice; they attract pollinators and trap aphids around your grapevines.
Bamboo
If you plant bamboo, be aware it can attract pests like aphids and mites. The dense leaves offer shelter to insects and even snakes in some areas.
Your bamboo might also harbor mosquitoes, especially if the stalks are hollow. Keep an eye on it to manage any unwanted visitors in your yard.
Berry bushes
If you include berry bushes like elderberry, holly, or serviceberry in your yard, be ready for some unwanted visitors. These plants can attract pests such as aphids and caterpillars.
While berry bushes bring birds to your garden, they can also draw insects that feed on their leaves and fruit. Keep an eye on your plants to catch any pest problems early.
Marigolds
You might think marigolds keep pests away, but they can actually attract some insects like aphids and leafhoppers. Their strong scent does help deter certain pests, but it’s not a guarantee for your whole garden.
If you plant marigolds, watch closely for unwanted bugs. Pairing them with other plants might help manage pests better.
Squash plants
If you grow squash, you might notice pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles showing up. These insects are attracted to your plants and can cause damage.
To help protect your squash, you can plant radishes nearby. They act as a trap crop and draw pests away from your squash. Herbs like dill and peppermint also help keep bugs at bay.
Fennel
If you grow fennel, be ready for some unwanted visitors. It tends to attract pests like aphids, which can bother your other plants.
However, fennel also draws beneficial insects like ladybugs that help control these pests naturally. You might find your garden balancing itself when fennel is around.
Just keep an eye on fennel to prevent pest buildup from spreading to nearby plants.
Yarrow
Yarrow attracts many beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings. However, it can also draw some pests that feed on its leaves.
If you choose yarrow, keep an eye out for aphids, which sometimes gather around its foliage. This plant works well if you want a balance of helpful and unwelcome visitors in your garden.
Alyssum
If you plant alyssum in your yard, be aware it can attract pests like aphids. These small insects may feed on the plant and spread to nearby plants.
At the same time, alyssum draws beneficial insects such as ladybugs and soldier flies. These helpful bugs can control pest populations naturally, helping your garden stay balanced.
You might find alyssum useful for attracting both pests and their predators, depending on your garden needs.
Tansy
If you plant tansy in your yard, you may attract some pests that like its strong scent. While it can repel certain insects, it also draws others that feed on its leaves.
You might notice aphids or beetles gathering on tansy. Keep an eye on your plants to manage any unwanted visitors and protect nearby flowers.
Caraway
If you plant caraway in your yard, be prepared for some pests. Aphids are commonly attracted to it, which can cause damage to your plants.
On the bright side, caraway also brings in beneficial parasitic wasps that help control these pests naturally. Still, keep an eye on your plants to manage any issues early.
Calendula
If you plant calendula, expect it to attract pests like aphids and whiteflies. These pests are drawn to its leaves and flowers.
However, calendula also brings helpful insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to your garden. These beneficial bugs help control the pest population naturally. This makes calendula a useful trap crop in your yard.
Coriander
If you grow coriander, also known as cilantro, you might notice some pests are drawn to it. Aphids and whiteflies commonly visit this herb, which can affect your plant’s health.
You can plant pest-repellent herbs like lemon balm or catmint nearby to help protect your coriander. Keeping your garden diverse with beneficial companion plants will support healthier growth.