Getting Rid of Aphids: Sage works wonders against pests

Created: 05/14/2022, 03:00 p.m

By: Jasmin Pospiech

Do you keep struggling with aphids in the bed?

Then you should better plant scented plants that the pest cannot smell well.

Munich – The first aphid larvae hatch again in spring.

They rested in the ground until temperatures rose again and the ground warmed.

This is the best time for them to burrow to the surface and go there in search of food.

They eat the roots and leaves of the plants.

A horror for many garden lovers!

They feed on their carbohydrate-rich juices and excrete a sugary solution, also called honeydew.

This further exacerbates the problem: its smell attracts other insects, including ants, into the bed.

Getting Rid of Aphids: Sage works wonders against pests

Aphids excrete honeydew, which also attracts ants.

(Iconic image) © fotogigi85/Imago

Many then ask themselves what they can do against the pests in the garden.

While some resort to chemical means, others prefer to choose more environmentally friendly methods.

Accordingly, home remedies such as hot, salted potato water are used to finish off the little animals.

However, if you want to save yourself the work, you should already think about the bed design.

Because there are a few plants, including many herbs, that make aphids flee.

This includes:

• lavender

• sage

• thyme

• oregano

• rosemary

Thanks to the essential oils they contain, the Mediterranean aromatic herbs release fragrances that smell good to us, but act as a deterrent to aphids.

This is also one of the reasons why lavender is often planted near roses, for example, to ward off lice.

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Get rid of aphids: Sage also helps against snails

The characteristic scent of lavender or sage, which has a soothing and calming effect on us, is far too penetrating for the aphids.

In addition, sage (Salvia officinalis) is not only cultivated in some gardens as a medicinal herb, but also serves as a natural defense against terror.

The slimy pests that like to attack lettuce leaves & Co. don't like the aroma of the lamiaceae at all.

Specifically, this is the component of its essential oil, thujone, which gives off a menthol-like smell and is not good for snails.

Growing herbs not only adds culinary value to the kitchen, but also helps other plants in the bed to stay healthy.