11 Natural Ways to Keep Pests Away From Your Garden—For Good

Pests in the garden are inevitable, but they can become a nuisance when they feed on your crops, compromising plant health and reducing yields. But don't reach for commercial pesticides right away if you notice aphids, mealybugs, slugs, and other potentially harmful pests invading your garden—there are many natural ways to banish them once and for all. From installing physical barriers to fostering healthy soil, we spoke to experts to learn their go-to ways for keeping pests away without using harmful chemicals.

Grow Pest-Repelling Plants

Some plants keep pests away from the garden by releasing subtle scents and natural compounds that they don't like. "Marigolds, for example, are well-known for keeping aphids at bay, while basil wards off flies and mosquitoes with its fragrant oils," says Timothy Wong, technical director at M&M Pest Control (MMPC). He adds that mint deters ants, aphids, and even mice, but it should be grown in containers as it spreads aggressively.

Keep Your Garden Clean

A messy garden is a haven for pests. "Weeds, tall grass, yard debris, and standing water all attract pests by providing food and shelter," says Shannon Harlow-Ellis, associate certified entomologist and technical services manager with Mosquito Joe, a Neighborly company. "Regularly mow the grass, clean out gardens, and remove standing water to help deter mosquitoes."

Use Neem Oil

Neem oil, pressed from the seeds of the neem tree, disrupts the hormonal systems of insects, making it harder for them to grow, feed, and lay eggs. According to Wong, neem oil is especially effective against pests like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and mealybugs. To use neem oil, Wong says to mix it according to label instructions, shake the solution thoroughly, and spray it in the morning or early evening. Spraying when the sun is low and the bees are resting prevents leaf burn and protects pollinators. Reapply neem oil every seven to 10 days or after heavy rains.

Install Physical Barriers

According to Harlow-Ellis, barriers like row covers, netting, copper tape, and fine mesh can physically block pests from reaching plants. "Copper tape works especially well against slugs and snails, as they don’t like the sensation of crossing it," Wong notes. While it's possible for insects to breach these parameters, they can reduce populations by making it harder for pests to access your plants.

Sprinkle Chili Powder

Chili powder contains capsaicin, a compound that irritates the mouths, feet, and noses of many insects and animals. "Gently sprinkling the powder around the base of your plants creates a subtle but effective line of defense," says Wong. Reapply after rain or watering.

Rotate Your Crops

Planting the same crop in the same spot every year gives pests and soil-borne diseases time to build. "By rotating crops—especially among plant families—you disrupt this pattern," says Wong. "For example, planting tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants (all nightshades) in different areas each year keeps the soil diverse and pests guessing." He recommends keeping a map or garden journal to help you remember where things were planted in previous seasons.

Attract Natural Predators

Welcoming beneficial insects and wildlife to your garden can improve biodiversity and keep pests away. " Ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, dragonflies, and birds all play vital roles in keeping your plants safe, each one doing what nature intended," says Wong. "To make them feel welcome, it helps to plant a variety of flowers with plenty of nectar—fennel, dill, yarrow, alyssum, and marigolds are favorites of ladybugs and lacewings."

Use Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a substance made from fossilized algae that damages the exoskeleton of insects, dehydrating and killing them, says Harlow-Ellis. "Apply a light dusting on dry days around plant bases. Wear a mask when applying, as it can irritate lungs when airborne," she says. Reapply diatomaceous earth after heavy rains.

Practice Companion Plants

Companion planting, the process of growing plants together that mutually benefit one another, is a useful way to keep pests away from your garden. "For example, basil planted near tomatoes not only helps improve their flavor but also deters hornworms and whiteflies," says Wong. "Nasturtiums, with their vibrant trailing blooms, act as a decoy for aphids, drawing them away from your vegetables. And onions grown beside carrots can help repel carrot flies, while the carrots return the favor by disrupting onion pests."

Lay Down Mulch

Mulch does more than conserve water and suppress weeds—it also helps keep certain pests away. "A thick layer of straw, shredded leaves, or untreated wood chips can create a barrier that keeps beetles, cutworms, and soil-borne fungi from reaching your plants," says Wong. "It also encourages beneficial insects like ground beetles and spiders to settle in, further helping to keep pest numbers down."

Encourage Healthy Soil

Soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. "When it’s rich with organic matter and teeming with microbial life, your plants grow stronger, and stronger plants are naturally more resistant to pests," says Wong. "Healthy soil supports beneficial nematodes, fungi, and bacteria that outcompete harmful organisms and improve root resilience." To boost soil health, Wong recommends feeding your soil with compost, aged manure, and other natural amendments.