One gardener spent more than 15 thousand rubles on chemicals against ticks, but the result was zero. Parasites continued to attack the site every spring. A chance meeting with a biologist changed the situation. He said that there is a system of four fragrant plants that create a natural barrier against uninvited guests.
“I conducted an experiment with a white cloth – dragged it through the grass before and after planting protective plants. The first time I counted 8 ticks, a month after planting – only 2. By the end of summer, parasites practically stopped appearing on the site,” the author of the Zen channel “About Fazenda. Country Life” (12+) shares his experience.
First line of defense: pyrethrum and wormwood
The gardener began with pink pyrethrum – in simple terms, Persian chamomile. He planted it along the north and east sides of the site. One plant effectively repels ticks within a radius of 1–1.5 meters. For reliable protection, plant every 2 meters. Pyrethrum blooms from June to September with beautiful pink and red inflorescences – this is not only protection, but also decoration of the site.
The second assistant is wormwood. It was placed on the south side, between the trees. Wormwood grows anywhere, even in poor soil. On fertile soil, on the contrary, it “fattens” and loses its protective properties. By the beginning of June it grows to 70–80 centimeters, forming a dense wall. Important warning: it is better to keep wormwood away from vegetable beds – it inhibits the growth of other crops.
The main plants of the protective quartet
The third plant is catnip, the most powerful fighter against ticks. Garden mites bypass it at a distance of 2–2.5 meters. The gardener placed three bushes along the west side of the property and a couple of plants near the gazebo. Over the summer, catnip grows up to 70 centimeters, blooms from June to August and attracts bees and bumblebees.
The last one in the protective four is creeping thyme. It was planted along paths and between beds. Thyme spreads along the ground, growing only 10–15 centimeters in height. During the season it grows to the sides by 20–25 centimeters. It blooms with pink inflorescences from May to September, filling the area with a pleasant aroma. Bonus: The fresh leaves can be used as a seasoning.
Planting scheme
Plants are arranged wisely. Pyrethrum and wormwood form the outer line of defense. Catnip is planted between them – in groups of 2-3 plants, the distance between the bushes is 40-50 centimeters. Thyme covers empty spaces. With this scheme, ticks simply do not find loopholes.
