Worried of snakes? These plants repels snakes from your garden
Certain plants like marigold, wormwood, West Indian lemon grass, Sarpgandha and garlic are natural repellent against snakes.
These plants have bitter tastes and strong smells that cause discomfort and disorientation to snakes when they slither over them. They can be planted around homes and gardens to chase away serpents which cannot tolerate their strong odours.
Snakes do not actually damage the garden – in fact, common varieties prey on other pests such as slugs, mice, voles and beetles. However, poisonous species are a serious threat to green thumbs and pets, and even nonvenomous snakes can bite or just plain scare to gardeners.
Different types of store-bought repellents affect only certain types of snakes, but some organic tricks help keep your garden serpent-free, regardless of the species.
Marigolds
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The Mother-in-law’s tongue (Variegated snake plant )
The plant is so named because of its sharp leaves. Snakes don’t like its appearance.
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Pink agapanthus
The Pink Agapanthus is of the onion family. Zulus plant it around their homes to deter snakes.
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Sarpagandha
Known by a variety of names such as Sarpagandha, Indian Snake root and Insanity herb, this plant is known for its ability to repel away snakes.
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Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Snakes don’t like the citrus smell from the leaves. The leaves or the tips can turn brown in extreme heat in summer. It requires very little care.
An added advantage of Lemon Grass, is that is contains citronella which is the base for most mosquito repellents;
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You can also root prune them each year to maintain a convenient size. Alternatively, for mature plants, remove just the top layer of soil in the pot and replace this with fresh compost each spring.
Buy ready to use nutrient rich soil
In general use a soil-based compost placed over a generous layer of drainage material such as earthenware crocks, pebbles or gravel. Water and feed regularly, especially while plants are bearing flowers and fruit, when a high-potash fertilizer is recommended.
