How Garlic & Mustard Affect Other Plants

Garlic as a Pest Repellent

• The pungent odor of fresh garlic has long been lauded for its ability to banish unwanted insects from the garden. It is particularly effective against borers, which damage fruit trees. Garlic also helps to reduce the mildew, black spot and aphids that plague roses. In addition, garlic repels Japanese beetles, weevils and spider mites. This plant is an unrivaled crop protector.

Mustard as a Soil Rejuvenator

• Farmers and gardeners praise the humble mustard plant for its ability to add alkalinity to soils that are overly acidic. Mustard breathes new life into soils defiled by an overabundance of mineral fertilizer, restoring their fertility.

Mustard as a Pest Trap

• Mustard plants have also been used to create a tasty diversion for the insect pests that devastate cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower. To keep cabbage moths away from your veggies, plant a mustard plant nearby as a sacrifice.