Posted on Nov 24, 2023 at 4:01 pm by Emma V
Moles can cause significant damage in our gardens and vegetable patches by digging underground tunnels and leaving mounds of earth on the surface.
To combat these intruders, there are fortunately natural solutions, including the use of certain repellent plants. Discover our selection of 5 plant species that will help keep moles away from your green space.
Table of Contents
1. The imperial fritillary: a majestic plant with repellent properties
Fritillaria imperialis, more commonly known as the imperial fritillary, is a bulbous plant with large bell-shaped flowers that can reach a height of 1 meter. Its unpleasant odor for moles is one of its most appreciated characteristics by gardeners. To maximize its repellent effect:
- Plant the bulbs about 30 cm deep and at regular intervals in your garden or vegetable patch.
- Respect a spacing of about 50 cm between each bulb.
- Remember to renew your plantings every year to maintain the effectiveness of this method.
In addition to repelling moles, the imperial fritillary brings elegance and color to your garden with its flowers in shades of orange, yellow, or red.
2. The spurges: a toxic plant to handle with caution
The spurges (Euphorbia lathyris) are perennial plants that can reach a height of 1 meter. They secrete an irritating and toxic latex that emits an unpleasant odor for moles. To take advantage of their repellent properties:
- Sow the spurges seeds around your garden or vegetable patch, respecting a spacing of about 1 meter between each plant.
- Be sure to wear gloves when handling the plants to avoid any contact with the latex.
- Be careful with pets and children: this plant is toxic if ingested or in prolonged contact with the skin.
3. The black elderberry: a tree with many virtues
The black elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is a tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall, with leaves that emit an unpleasant odor for moles. To take advantage of this repellent plant:
- Plant one or more black elderberries near the areas where you want to keep moles away.
- Remember to regularly prune your tree to control its growth.
The black elderberry also offers other advantages: its fragrant white flowers attract pollinators and its black berries are appreciated by birds, thus promoting biodiversity in your garden.
4. Alliums: plants with spectacular and repellent flowers
The alliums, also known as ornamental garlic, are bulbous plants with large spherical flowers that can measure up to 20 cm in diameter. Their characteristic garlic smell is not appreciated by moles. To take advantage of their repellent properties:
- Plant the allium bulbs about 15 cm deep, spacing each bulb 20 to 40 cm apart depending on the size of the chosen species.
- Choose different varieties of alliums to create an impressive visual effect while protecting your garden.
5. Peppermint: an aromatic plant with repellent properties
Peppermint (Mentha × piperita) is a perennial plant with dark green leaves and white or pink flowers. Its powerful mint smell repels moles. To use it as a repellent:
- Plant peppermint along the edge of your garden or vegetable patch, respecting a spacing of about 30 cm between each plant.
- Remember to contain the growth of this invasive plant by installing anti-rhizome barriers or by cultivating it in pots.
Peppermint is also appreciated for its taste qualities and medicinal properties, making it an additional asset for your green space.
In conclusion, adopting these different repellent plants in your garden or vegetable patch will not only protect your crops from the damage caused by moles, but also beautify your outdoor space and promote biodiversity. So don’t hesitate any longer and get started with planting these species for a harmonious and pest-free garden.
