BRITS have been long awaiting the sunshine, but with the warmer weather comes more bugs hovering around your plants.
Some may have even started to notice that spiders have started to become more obvious as they creep around your gardens.
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And as we begin to start to open our windows up to allow the fresh air to come in, then you might notice that these spiders are starting to appear in the corners of your living room.
But rather than investing into expensive chemicals, experts believe that you can use a much more natural technique to deter spiders.
Graham Smith, a gardening expert from LBS Horticulture, has shared the plants that are safe for pets but can help to repel spiders.
Basil
They pack a strong kick and are perfect for adding the finishing touch to a delicious dish.
Basil, currently on sale for £1.50 at Sainsbury’s, boasts a strong “fragrant scent” that naturally repels spiders.
You can purchase a shop-bought basil plant to place in a sunny spot in your home.
According to Graham, the “herb is thought to be what keeps insects away, and is best placed around the entry points of your home.”
Mint
To create a natural spider repellent, soak the leaves in water for a few hours, then transfer the mixture into a spray bottle.
Graham recommends spritzing this around your home can help keep spiders at bay, as the strong scent is something they tend to avoid.
Rosemary
Known for its piney scent and often used as a seasoning in cooking, Graham says that “this smell is much more intense for insects like spiders.
It’s thought that spiders will actively avoid being near a rosemary plant, so this can be used to your advantage both inside and outside of your home”.
Lemon Balm
According to Graham, “this smell is much more intense for insects like spiders.”
He explains that spiders are believed to steer clear of rosemary plants, making them a useful tool for keeping pests away both indoors and outdoors.
Graham advises to place “a potted lemon balm on a sunny windowsill” but warns against fertilising the plant, as this can “reduce the intensity of its scent”.
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Sage
A staple in Italian cuisine and renowned for its rich antioxidant content, this versatile herb not only enhances the flavour of dishes but also serves as an effective spider deterrent.
Its earthy, musky aroma is strong enough to repel spiders, making it a practical addition to your home or garden.
Graham recommends avoiding the use of fertiliser on the plant, as he explains that it “can reduce the strength of its scent,” which is the key factor in keeping spiders at bay.
By planting it in well-drained soil and ensuring it receives plenty of sunlight, you can maximise its aromatic properties while enjoying its culinary benefits.
Dill
Graham also revealed that spiders hate the scent of dill, but urges those who want to opt for this option to “only grow it in pots.”
8 must-have plants to brighten up your garden
Nick Hamilton owner of Barnsdale Gardens has shared his favourite plants and flowers you should consider adding to your garden, borders and pots.
Tricyrtis
A spectacular plant that gives a real exotic feel to any garden with its orchid-like, spotted flowers giving the impression that this plant should be tender but it is “as tough as old boots!”.
Penstemon
I love this plants genus of because most will flower all summer and autumn. They’ll grow in sun or semi-shade in a well drained soil and produce a non-stop display of tubular flowers in an array of colours and colour combination to suit all tastes.
Luzula sylvatica ‘Marginata’
With the evergreen leaves edged with yellow it’s great asset is that it
will grow in sun or shade in any type of soil and is great as groundcover in the hardest spot to fill – dry shade.
Eryngium x zabelii ‘Big Blue’
A stunning, nectar-rich plant that will feed the beneficial insects in your
garden. Leave the flowerheads once they have turned brown because they look stunning with winter frost and snow, extending the plant’s interest period.
Sarcococca hookeriana ‘Winter Gem’
If you need winter scent then look no further than this compact, evergreen shrub. The scent is stunning and the evergreen leaves create an excellent backdrop for the summer flowers.
Cornus sanguinea ‘Anny’s Winter Orange’
A dwarf version of ‘Midwinter Fire’ the very colourful stems create a stunning winter display, particularly on sunny days.
Rosa ‘Noisette Carnee’
A very well-behaved climbing rose that is perfect for training over an arch, pergola or gazebo. The small, “noisette” flowers are blush-pink and produce the most amazing clove scent constantly from June to November.
Sanguisorba hakusanensis ‘Lilac Squirrel’
I’ve never seen a squirrel with a drooping, shaggy lilac tail, but this variety will give your garden an unusual and different look throughout summer. It does need a moisture retentive soil but will grow in sun or semi-shade.
