Aroma Pets

The plants that can save your garden from pests such as slugs and stink bugs

There are few things as rewarding as seeing your garden thrive after hours and hours of hard work. But equally, witnessing your precious plants attacked by nasty bugs can be a demoralising experience.

British gardeners should be aware that there is a green way to get rid of pesky pests without adding toxins to their crops. The method involves adding plants that attract pests away from the main plants you are growing. These are called trap plants, or sacrificial plants.

Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have advised gardeners on what plants they can grow to save the rest of their garden from being devoured by a bug invasion. The list includes easy to grow herbs and flowers such as chervil, sunflowers and nasturtiums.

READ MORE: Full list of Kent's Giant Hogweed hotspots where you're most likely to be stung

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

 hmproudlove/Getty Images/iStockphotoClose up image of a ladybird on a nettle leaf

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

 mtreasure/iStockphoto/GettyWhite flowers on cow parsley plant (wild chervil Anthriscus sylvestris)

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

 Graham Young / BirminghamLiveSunflower field as summer turns to autumn.

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

 Jewelsy/Getty Images/iStockphotoA shabby chic vintage bathtub planted full of 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

 Jewelsy/Jenny Hanson/Getty Images/iStockphotoLavender and bee

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.

Reference: Kent Live: Ioanna Toufex