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2:00 AM 25th June 2022
nature

What Are Sacrificial Plants And Why Does Your Garden Need Them?

 
Green-fingered people are being urged to deter their favourite plants from pesky bugs through sacrificial planting.

GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk are helping gardeners to avoid the disappointment of finding all of their favourite crops devoured by a bug invasion.

This is achieved through growing plants which will either attract harmful pests away from the plants and crops you are trying to protect.

The method encourages gardeners to plant chervil, sunflowers and nasturtiums as natural deterrents without adding toxins to the garden.

A spokesman for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk said:
“The traditional method for getting rid of destructive bugs would be to use pesticides which could potentially bring toxins into your garden. We prefer to use deterrent plants instead, adding a source of food for the insects whilst keeping them away from your most beloved flowers.

“The plants you hope to protect will determine how far away you need to plant the decoy sacrificial plants. For some insects, it is best to plant the decoys around the border of the flowers or crops. For others, the sacrificial plants can be placed further away.”


Nettles and nasturtiums

These are easy to grow and effective at attracting aphids and sap-sucking insects which feed on the nutrient-rich liquids of plants. Because of this, they will work as a distraction for the harmful aphids congregating in large groups and keeping them away from your more precious crops and flowers.

Nasturtiums will need to be pruned and tended over time as they are a spreading plant that drops seeds all over the area where they grow.

Chervil

Gardeners frustrated by the number of slugs in their garden should stock up on chervil. The delicate herb attracts slugs and will distract them from leaving unsightly holes in your favourite flowers.

Sunflowers

These summertime favourites are great for attracting stink bugs, which often attack crops like sweetcorn and okra. Keep these veggies pest-free by planting sunflowers at least 70 days ahead of your vegetables. Once the sunflowers have fully matured, they will work to deter bugs no matter how far away they are from your more precious crops.

Marigolds

Flying insects and nematodes eat away at the root of crops like cucumbers, beans and tomatoes. Marigolds are an excellent deterrent for these pesky insects and should be planted ahead of the vegetables to ensure the crops are not disturbed.

Lavender

Although loved by many, the strong scent of lavender is known to deter many bugs away from crops and flowers. The strong smell will keep biting bugs at bay and will instead attract nectar-feeding bees and butterflies into your garden.

GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk