How to Plant Garlic to Control Insects

The strong odor and power of garlic is from the sulfate that it contains. This odor is unpleasant to many humans, and is equally unpleasant to many insects. Planting garlic repels many insects. Garlic will repel aphids, Japanese beetles, Mexican bean beetles, as well as many other insects. When planting garlic, keep in mind that garlic will kill harmful insects, as well as beneficial insects.

Garlic plants are easy to grow and quite an effective method to control insects. Garlic can be planted in cold or hot weather. In northern states with cold winters, plant garlic after the first frost, usually sometime in October or November. For cold, wet winters, cover the garlic plants with straw as a prevention against the garlic crop rotting. If the garlic does not survive a cold winter, it can also be planted in the spring for a later crop. In warmer areas, garlic can be planted in the spring or fall.

Garlic as an insect repellent does well when planted with flowers and most vegetables. However, garlic should not be planted with or near beans, potatoes or peas.

Garlic plants need rich soil and full sun, without soggy soil. Good drainage is essential when growing garlic. Add potting mix, sand, compost material. Growing garlic in a raised bed will also improve drainage. Garlic cloves themselves are planted. Plant garlic two inches deep, with the point of the clove facing up. Plant each garlic clove 4 inches apart. Garlic will sprout in 10-14 days and are ready to pick around 120 days. Weeds can smother garlic plants. Garlic plants should be weeded on a regular basis.

Where to plant garlic for insect control:

Plant garlic in a ring around flowers or vegetable that need insect control. Garlic planted around cabbage, brussels sprouts and cauliflower will repel aphids that are attracted to these plans. Plant garlic between rows in a vegetable garden. Garlic is an excellent insect repellent when planted with lettuce, which is also often infested with aphids. Fruit trees will also benefit from the insect repellent effects of garlic plants.

Harvest garlic and use it for its many health benefits. Use garlic plants to make garlic sprays which are used to deter many harmful insects.

While garlic plants can be an effective insect repellent, consider the pros and cons of where and how much garlic to plant, as too many garlic plants may chase away the insects, as well as people!