Cathy Isom has a bit of information about the plants that repel spiders in and outside of the home. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
While spiders might be necessary for the environment, that doesn’t mean we have to like them or want them around us. Instead of using chemicals to keep spiders out of your home, try growing one or more plants that keep spiders away. Certain plants have been proven to repel spiders, both indoors and out. Most of these plants have a strong odor since aromatic plants are generally more effective at repelling insects.
Any variety of basil can keep spiders away. They don’t like the smell of lavender, either, so keeping a pot of lavender in your house (in a sunny spot) or on your patio can help to deter them from visiting. All varieties of mint, such as spearmint and pennyroyal, help to ward off spiders. You might also try Dill, Lemon Verbena, Lemon Balm, Citronella, Chrysanthemums, and Marigolds. Eucalyptus leaves have such a strong odor, they will deter spiders as well as other bugs and insects.
If you want to keep spiders out of your garden, try planting onions. Red spiders, often called spider mites, can be an issue in your house and garden plants. Mites feed off of plant’s nutrients, turning leaves yellow and stunting growth.
I’m Cathy Isom…