Ecological methods of pest control and mixed crops are commendable and in any case preferable to chemical alternatives and one-sided planting crops. When fighting grubs, you can combine the two. With garlic.
How to fight grubs with garlic?
Grubs can be prevented with garlic by planting several garlic plants over a large area in beds. The smell deters May and June beetles and reduces the risk of egg laying, which results in grubs.
Garlic as a grub repellent
Garlic falls primarily into the prevention category when it comes to warding off grubs. First and foremost, when grown, the plant can be used on site to combat pests. You can achieve a good effect by planting several garlic plants as widely as possible in beds, so that a closed “carpet” of garlic effect is created, so to speak. This can stop May, June and garden leaf beetles from laying their eggs there.
To remember:
- The smell of garlic particularly deters May and June beetles: lower risk of egg laying
- For a deterrent effect, plant garlic in large areas in beds
Pay attention to time management
In order to benefit from garlic when it comes to threatening grub infestations, a certain amount of time management must be observed. This means that the operation must be planned and carried out in a timely manner. It is good to have an overview of the local cycles of May and June beetles, especially in areas where these beetles are more common. Due to the long larval development time, adult May and June beetles only appear every 3-4 years. Your short life and activity phase as an imago only lasts a few weeks in May and June.
So if a May or June beetle year is expected, plant the garlic well before May begins. It's best to use winter-hardy spring garlic and plant it from mid-February.
Garden leaf beetles only have a one-year cycle, but due to their small size they also have less potential for damage.
Garlic as a good neighbor
Garlic is a good neighbor for some plants because of its repelling properties. This is especially true for some vegetable and berry plants. Garlic keeps them he althy, increases their yield and stimulates their growth. But garlic can also have a useful, fungal-preventing effect between flowers.
In the vegetable and orchard, the following plants benefit when they are next to garlic:
- Strawberries
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
- Raspberries
- Gooseberries
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Celery
- Tomatoes
Garlic, however, is not liked by the following plants:
- pole beans
- Types of cabbage
- Peas
