6 sacrificial plants to naturally deter pests from your garden
6 sacrificial plants to naturally deter pests from your garden
Sacrificial planting, commonly known as trap cropping, is the deliberate act of growing plants to attract agricultural pests. From leafy annuals like marigolds to scent-rich lavender, this form of companion planting helps to keep insects away from nearby crops — and reduces the use of pesticides.
Earlier this year, the RHS encouraged gardeners to grow sacrificial vegetables and ornamental plants for slugs to nibble on. Plant-munching pests might be frustrating, but they play an important role in planet-friendly gardening and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
'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,' a spokesman for GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk, says.
The main goal of sacrificial planting is to distract slugs from eating your prized dahlias by encouraging them to eat another plant instead. '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.'
Slip on your gardening gloves and take a look at the best sacrificial plants to grow...
Sacrificial planting, commonly known as trap crops, is the act of growing plants that will attract agricultural pests. These are the best sacrificial plants.
