Mint has long been considered not only a fragrant and useful plant, but also an effective assistant in the fight against pests.
Its rich smell and high content of essential oils repel many insects that harm vegetable crops. Growing mint in your garden is a great way to protect plants without chemicals.
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", a scientist, agronomist and landscape designer, spoke about the benefits of mint.
Insects that avoid mint
Mint produces essential oils that act as a natural repellent. These substances irritate the olfactory organs of insects, creating discomfort for them. Among the pests that try to avoid this plant, aphids, ants, mosquitoes and moths stand out in particular.
Aphids, known for their ability to attack vegetables and shrubs en masse, rarely settle near mint bushes. Their smell confuses pests, reducing the risk of plant infestation.
Ants, which often act as carriers of aphids, also do not like mint and prefer to stay away from it.
Mosquitoes, although not considered garden pests, are a nuisance to people while working in their garden. Planting mint near a seating area helps reduce their numbers.
Protection from caterpillars and butterflies
Caterpillars that damage the leaves of cultivated plants also cannot stand the aroma of mint. This plant becomes an excellent means of preventing their appearance.
It is especially useful to plant mint next to cabbage, which often suffers from an invasion of cabbage white caterpillars.
Butterflies that lay eggs on plant leaves are sensitive to the smell of mint. Its presence in the area can reduce the likelihood of new clutches.
Using mint to repel pests
To make mint a truly effective protector, it can be used not only as a living plant, but also in the form of various products.
For example, freshly cut branches are placed around plants that are susceptible to insect attack.
Essential oil of mint is diluted in water and sprayed on the beds. This method helps to repel pests without damaging the plants themselves. In addition, mint infusion is used to spray bushes - it serves as a preventive measure against the appearance of aphids and other insects.
Impact on the garden ecosystem
Mint helps maintain ecological balance in the area. It attracts bees and other pollinators, which ensure the development of fruits. But pests, on the contrary, try to avoid mint, which makes it an indispensable plant for organic farming.
Regular cultivation of mint helps improve the condition of the soil. Its root system loosens the soil, and the leaves that fall and rot enrich the soil with useful substances.
Recommendations for placing mint in the garden
In order for mint to show its protective properties to the maximum, it is important to choose the right place for its planting. It is recommended to place bushes next to crops that are most often affected by insects.
Mint can be planted along the edges of beds or between rows. It goes well with vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. In addition, mint protects potatoes from the Colorado potato beetle if planted in close proximity to the bushes.
For reference
Mint is a genus of plants in the mint family. All species contain from 0.1 to 2% mint oil in their green parts, the main part of which is menthol (40-70 to 92%).
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
