How to Grow Herbs for Pest Management
- 1). Spread 2 to 3 inches of compost on the planting bed and till in well. The soil texture should be loose and maintain its shape when picked up by the fist-full and squeezed. Add more compost if the soil does not hold its shape. All soil is different, but the addition of organic material from the compost will help them remain healthy and give them excellent natural pest resistance.
- 2). Rake out the bed, removing all debris and rocks. Dig small holes the depth and width of the herb root balls. The location of each herb should be near a plant that is affected by the insect the herb repels. Echinacea can be planted anywhere, as it is an attractant for beneficial predators that will eat aphids, grubs and other pests. Dill and fennel grow attractive flowers that attract insects that will eat garden pests.
- 3). Plant the sage near brassicas and carrots to repel insect pests. Very fragrant herbs such as basil and cilantro can be planted near tomatoes, peppers and other plants that are attacked by tomato worms and numerous other damaging species. Mint performs an all over masking duty by exuding a strong smell when bruised or crushed. The aroma will overwhelm insects' abilities to find their favorite foods and will drive them away.
- 4). Plant rosemary near carrots, beans and cabbage to repel cabbage moths, carrot flies and bean beetles. Tarragon is an effective herb to plant anywhere, as most pests seem to dislike the smell. Thyme is a spreading herb that will keep weeds down by choking them out and repel the cabbage fly. There are numerous other herbs and flowers that can be harvested to make safe and natural insecticides for the home.