5 best plants to prevent snakes from entering your garden

Snakes in the garden can be scary—but nature has a solution. These plants naturally repel snakes while keeping your garden green and pest-free. (Image: Pexels)

• Marigold, rosemary, and lemongrass help repel snakes from gardens.
• Indian snakeroot and basil also deter snakes due to their strong odour and oils

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It is scary to spot a snake in your garden, especially if you live in an area that’s prone to these reptiles. They often find moisture and hot environments with lush greenery inviting. And while they keep your garden safe from rats, pests, and rodents, the thought of having them around can be unnerving.

The good news is that they can be kept away from your garden with the help of certain plants that act as repellents. This is due to their strong smell or sometimes prickly texture. Here’s taking a look at seven of these plants that can save you from trouble…

Also Read: Gardening tips: From windowsill to wild bloom, a modern guide to sowing seeds in winter

Marigolds

If you love marigolds, there are more reasons for you to plant them in your garden. They keep snakes away with their bright sunshine blooms, strong odour, and sturdy, aggressive roots. Their smell reaches deep into the soil, so if any snake is hiding around, it will be forced to leave. What’s more, marigolds also keep bugs away due to their spicy scent.

Rosemary

There’s definitely an advantage of planting herbs for the variety of fragrances they bring to your garden. Rosemary has a strong smell that is hard for snakes to ignore. However, it’s best to plant them in pots or containers, as its lush foliage also acts as a shelter for snakes.

Lemongrass

For those who are familiar with the scent of lemongrass would know why it repels snakes. The citrusy fragrance is disliked by these reptiles and keeps them away. They can find it bewildering, making it tough for them to hunt. Lemongrass has citronella, which also keeps mosquitoes and other bugs away.

Indian snakeroot

Also known as sarpagandha, Indian snakeroot is used in Ayurvedic medicine. Its roots contain chemicals like reserpine, which keep snakes and other pests away from the garden. Its strong odour is highly disliked by these reptiles, deterring them around your home and garden.

Also Read: How to grow fresh lemons in your balcony garden, step-by-step guide for beginners

Basil

Snakes hate the smell of basil, making them act as effective repellents. The herbs also have oils that snakes can’t stand. It grows best from seeds planted at regular times during spring and summer. Basil needs warm weather and indirect light for proper growth, and doesn’t like wet soil. Pick the leaves one by one instead of cutting many stems at once. Regular pruning helps in plant growth.