Territory Farms and Goats

Where we live, which is the USDA Zone 7, we love taking advantage of a favorable climate for a wide variety of herbs. Beyond their culinary and medicinal appeal, many herbs can serve a vital function in organic gardening, repelling or managing pests naturally. This dual-purpose use makes them a sustainable and practical choice for gardeners like us, who wish to stay as far away as possible from smelly and sometimes dangerous pesticides.

Below is a guide to several popular herbs that thrive in Zone 7, their pest-controlling abilities, and other valuable uses such as tea-making and cooking.

Recognize that, in our family, our degrees range from Biology to Psychology, to Chemistry. The closest we get to the medical field is medical laboratory sciences. None of this article is meant to help diagnose, treat, or take the place of medical instructions from your doctor. ALWAYS discuss any herbal supplements or teas with your doctor before using them. There are many meds that can interact with compounds found in herbs, sometimes with very serious consequences. Stay safe and stay informed!

1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Pest Control: Basil repels aphids, mosquitoes, and whiteflies. Planted near tomatoes or peppers, it can protect them from common insect invaders.

Other Uses: Fresh basil leaves make a delicious tea that supports digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, ideal for pestos, sauces, and fresh salads.

2. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Pest Control: Mint’s strong aroma deters ants, cabbage moths, and fleas. It’s especially useful when planted around the edges of garden beds—but keep it contained, as it spreads aggressively. If you need to thin it out, make sure you put it in buckets, because any plants thrown in a yard is an open invitation to any Mentha genus!

Other Uses: Mint tea is a soothing remedy for nausea, headaches, and indigestion. Spearmint and peppermint are popular for both hot and iced teas. Fresh leaves can also be added to desserts, drinks, and salads. Peppermint is my son’s favorite tea, with a little honey.

3. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Pest Control: Lavender repels moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes. Its scent confuses pests and reduces their ability to target host plants.

Other Uses: Lavender flowers make a calming tea known to promote relaxation and sleep. The dried buds are also used in sachets, oils, and baked goods for a floral twist. Personally, lavender and matcha is one of my favorite drink combos!

4. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Pest Control: Rosemary wards off carrot flies, cabbage loopers, and mosquitoes. It works well as a companion plant for beans, cabbage, and carrots.

Other Uses: Rosemary makes a flavorful addition to roasts, breads, and potatoes. It can also be brewed into an earthy tea with memory-boosting and antioxidant properties. This herb also goes well when dried with oregano and thyme for chicken or turkey.

5. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Pest Control: Thyme emits a strong scent that deters whiteflies, cabbage worms, and hornworms. It’s especially beneficial when planted near cabbage-family crops.

Other Uses: Thyme tea is a traditional remedy for coughs, colds, and sore throats. It’s also widely used in cooking, adding depth to soups, stews, and marinades. In the winter, I will make a syrup from onion, garlic, lemon, honey, and thyme for when the kids bring home the crud and it wants to settle in the chest.

6. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

 Catnip is a surprisingly powerful natural insect repellent, thanks to a compound called nepetalactone—which is more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes in some studies. It also helps deter aphids, flea beetles, squash bugs, and even cockroaches. You can plant it around the perimeter of your garden to form a natural pest barrier or use dried catnip leaves in sachets near problem areas.

Other Uses:
While best known for driving cats into a playful frenzy, catnip also makes a calming herbal tea for humans. It’s traditionally used to reduce anxiety, aid sleep, and ease digestive issues or colds. The tea has a minty, slightly earthy flavor and pairs well with honey or lemon.

Final Thoughts

Herbs offer a beautiful synergy between form and function in the garden. In Zone 7, we can take full advantage of a long growing season to cultivate herbs that not only discourage unwanted insects but also provide flavorful additions to meals and soothing remedies for the home.

By incorporating pest-repelling herbs into your gardening strategy, you’re not just protecting your crops, you’re enhancing your entire garden ecosystem, naturally and sustainably.