I am absolutely terrified of spiders – seriously, just the thought of them makes my skin crawl!
My garden used to be a minefield of spider encounters, and I couldn’t stand the sight of them creeping around. I wanted to get rid of them without harming them because, let’s be honest, even though they freak me out, I’m not a fan of hurting critters.
That’s when I stumbled upon a fantastic solution: spider-repelling plants!
These plants not only make my garden look great but also help keep those creepy crawlers away. Imagine enjoying your garden without constantly worrying about spiders (sounds amazing, right?).
So, if this idea sounds appealing to you, consider planting some of these plants:
1. Start With Rosemary
If you’ve grown rosemary, you might have noticed it doesn’t have a strong scent like mint or lavender – it’s subtle, more of a gentle hint.
While rosemary’s aroma is mild to us, spiders find it pretty overwhelming. Imagine their tiny spider noses cringing at the smell!
You can keep rosemary growing all year, but young plants aren’t great with the cold, so you might need to bring them inside during winter.
So, if you want to keep spiders away, rosemary is your plant ally. It’s perfect for both inside and outside your home.
And if you’re trying rosemary for the first time indoors, check out these tips to get it off to a great start!
2. Continue With Mint Because Spiders Can’t Stand It
Besides getting invasive, there are actually no downsides to growing mint (even this can be avoided by growing it in containers!).
Mint does it all: fills your garden with a refreshing scent, adds a zesty twist to your mojitos, and it’s also fantastic for keeping spiders away thanks to its strong aroma.
It’s easy to grow and thrives in pots and containers, which makes it perfect for spots where a lot of spiders are weaving their webs.
If you have a friend with a mint plant, you can even grow your own mint from cuttings (we are all budget-friendly here!).
Related: How To Keep Your Mint Plants Healthy During Winter
3. Throw Basil In The Spider-Repelling Mix
If you’ve been dreaming of adding basil to your herb garden, this is your sign to grab a pot and get growing!
No matter if you grow it indoors or outdoors, basil will do an amazing job deterring those creepy crawlies!
I absolutely love basil, and finding out that spiders aren’t big fans of it makes me like it even more!
So, pot some basil and place it right in the center of your garden table or kitchen windowsill, and watch the spiders keep their distance. Just make sure your basil gets plenty of sunlight, though.
Here are some additional tips: How Often To Water Basil + Essential Tips for Flavorful Growth
4. Or Go With The Good Ol’ Marigolds
There are truly plenty of reasons why you should grow marigolds, and their ability to repel spiders is just one of them.
They can be combined with lots of other companion plants, they are perfect for raised garden beds, they add color to your garden, and attract pollinators. How cool is that?
Thanks to a chemical called phototoxin, marigolds are experts at keeping spiders away.
If you’re growing marigolds to fend off these pesky beasties, you’ll need to decide if you want to deadhead them. Both options have their benefits, so choose what suits you best.
Also read: 5 Mind-Blowing Facts About Marigolds You Probably Didn’t Know
5. Spiders Don’t Like Citronella Either
You probably already use citronella candles and scented oils to keep pests away, but did you know you can also grow citronella plants right here in the US?
While they might not be native to regions with a chilly climate, they can be successfully grown as outdoor plants or houseplants with a bit of extra care.
Although famous for repelling mosquitoes, citronella are also known to deter spiders.
If you’re planning to use citronella outdoors, it’s best to grow it in a pot so you can easily bring it inside during the winter. Without this additional protection, it might not handle the cold very well.
Having troubles with mosquitoes as well? This might help: Mosquitoes Absolutely Hate The Scent Of These 14 Essential Oils, So Make Sure To Use Them This Summer
6. Chrysanthemum Aren’t So Pretty To Spiders
Chrysanthemums might not have a strong scent like some other spider-repellent plants, but they pack a punch when it comes to driving away spidies.
The natural compounds in chrysanthemums are highly toxic to spiders, which is why they’re often used in insecticides. The thing I am talking about is pyrethrum, a compound frequently used in natural bug repellents.
Because of this, many gardeners plant chrysanthemums alongside their favorite plants to fend off spiders and other pests.
So, if you want a natural way to protect your garden, consider adding these colorful flowers.
You might be interested in: When And How To Divide Mums
7. They Don’t Find Lavender Soothing
You might have expected lavender to make this list, and for good reason – its fragrance is simply mesmerizing!
But while we humans love its lovely scent, spiders aren’t quite as charmed.
If you’re looking to use lavender to repel spiders, English Lavender is the strongest-smelling variety. You can grow it outdoors or hang cuttings around your home.
And if you already have lavender in your garden and want to add some more, just propagate what you’ve got. It’s an easy way to expand your lavender collection and boost your spider-repelling efforts.
Honestly, I’ve tried every plant on this list, and they all do the job perfectly. But I have a soft spot for basil, rosemary, and lavender because not only do they ward off spiders, but they also add flavor to my cooking and beauty to my garden.
If you’re more into vibrant floral displays, then mums or marigolds are your best bet. They’ll brighten up your garden and keep it spider-free!
Also read: Here’s Why Using Lavender Oil Around Your Patio Is The Ultimate Summer Trick