root eating insects

Question

I sent a message recently regarding root eating insects and mentioned basil and spinach amoungst a few herbs and vegetables. I have to mention that I do not have a garden but all the vegetables, herbs are in a first floor flat and I am using compost. Is there anything, like garlic, that can be planted to keep the root eating insects away or any other plant or flower that can be planted with the herbs and vegetables to keep the root eating insects away? For example, at this time of the year, what kind of plants, etc. can be planted with the herbs and vegetables to keep the root eating insects away? Some say that planting eating flowers and garlic and lavender and perhaps rosemary is supposed to keep the root eating insects away as there are probably a lot of them. Thanks.

Answer 1

It is true that some plants help repel insects. For root eating bugs, like carrot fly, it is believed that aromatic plants such as lavender and rosemary are a good deterrent. Flax is another plant deemed helpful against pests of root crops. Nearly any member of the Allium family (i.e. onions, garlic, chives) should work too. Borage and marigolds are helpful as companion plants as well.

Fungus gnats and mites are the most common insects found in potting soil/compost. But regardless of the insect, watering the soil with a neem oil solution will kill off these bugs. This article will tell you more about neem oil: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm