I have planted garlic before to help ward off the critters. It sort of helped with aphids and beetles. The stink and squash bugs however laughed at it. I am going to try a garlic spray mix this year. Hopefully it works.
I read that diatomaceous earth is very effective against most worm-type pests, slugs also. It is natural pest repellent as well.
I don't know if it does any thing but please me, but I have elephant garlic scattered everywhere: at the base of the fruit trees, in the perennial beds, on the borders of the garden areas. It self propagates, gives us ready supply of garlic, and the flower head are ornamental.
Cayuga, sometimes you can find it in a supermarket. Also, many nurseries, like Johnny's, Gurneys, etc... sell it. It's a milder garlic than regular garlic, I think.
Thanks Bunk. I will keep an eye out for it. I like the idea of having garlic growing around the property, available if needed.
You bet Cayuga! I have only grown it once a couple of years ago. The leaves were huge on the plants, and the bulbs were huge. Really fun to grow. I got the seed from the supermarket.
Bunkie, thanks for the story. Interesting indeed. I planted a row of garlic right along the peas after I planted potatoes this week since I found a bunch that started to sprout when I got my seed potatoes out. I wasn't thinking about pests as I did it, but I wondered if it would deter the deer or rabbits since it is a sheltered area of the garden. We will see.
