Ecological methods of pest control and mixed cultures are praiseworthy and in any case preferable to chemical alternatives and one-sided plant cultures. When fighting grubs, you can combine the two. With garlic.

Garlic keeps grubs and other pests away

Garlic as a grub repellent

When it comes to warding off grubs, garlic falls primarily into the preventive category. First and foremost, the plant can be used in cultivated form on the spot against the pests. You can achieve a good effect by planting several garlic plants in beds as far as possible, so that there is a closed “carpet” of garlic effect. This can prevent May, June and garden beetles from laying their eggs there.

To remember:

  • The smell of garlic deters may beetles and June beetles in particular: lower risk of egg laying
  • For a deterrent effect, plant garlic extensively in beds

Note time management

In order to benefit from garlic with regard to threatened grub infestations, a certain amount of time management must be observed. This means that the operation must be planned and executed in good time. It is good to have an overview of the local cycles of May and June beetles, especially in areas where these beetles are more common. Due to the long larval development period, adult May and June beetles are only found every 3-4 years. Her short life and action phase as an imago lasts only a few weeks in May and June.

So if a may or June beetle year is to be expected, plant the garlic in good time before the start of May. It is best to use hardy spring garlic and plant it from mid-February.

Garden beetles only have a one-year cycle, but due to their small size they also have less potential for damage.

Garlic as a good neighbor

Garlic is also a good neighbor for some plants due to its anti-grub effect. This is especially true for some vegetable and berry plants. Garlic keeps them healthy, increases their yield and stimulates their growth. But garlic can also have a useful anti-fungal effect between flowers.

In the vegetable and orchard, the following plants will benefit from being adjacent to garlic:

  • strawberries
  • cucumbers
  • potatoes
  • raspberries
  • gooseberries
  • carrots
  • Beetroot
  • celery
  • tomatoes

On the other hand, garlic is not liked by the following plants:

  • pole beans
  • cabbages
  • peas

Category:

Animals in the garden