13 Plants That Naturally Repel Lizards in Your Garden

Lizards can sometimes become unwelcome guests in outdoor gardens. Fortunately, certain plants have natural properties that help keep them away. Growing these plants can protect your garden without using chemicals. Many of these plants are easy to care for and add beauty to your space. Let’s explore these plants.

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Lemongrass

Lemongrass produces a strong citrus scent that lizards find unpleasant, helping to keep them away from your garden. This plant is easy to grow and does well in warm climates with plenty of sunlight. It requires regular watering but is generally low maintenance once established. Besides repelling lizards, lemongrass can be used in cooking and natural remedies.

Plant lemongrass in well-drained soil and provide occasional fertilization for best growth. It can grow quite tall, making it a good natural barrier around garden beds. This plant thrives outdoors during warm months and can be moved indoors in cooler climates. Its fresh aroma benefits both your garden and your home.

Mint

Mint has a strong smell that many insects and reptiles, including lizards, dislike. Growing mint around your garden can help reduce lizard visits naturally. This plant spreads quickly and requires regular trimming to keep it under control. Mint prefers moist soil and partial to full sunlight.

Because mint can become invasive, it is best grown in pots or contained garden areas. It also attracts beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The leaves can be harvested for teas and cooking. Mint adds a refreshing scent to your garden while acting as a natural repellent.

Basil

Basil emits a strong aroma that lizards tend to avoid, making it a helpful plant to keep them away. It grows well in warm weather and needs consistent watering. Basil thrives in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. The plant does not require much care but benefits from occasional pruning.

Besides repelling lizards, basil is a popular culinary herb that enhances many dishes. It can be grown in garden beds or containers. Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth and stronger scent. Its fresh fragrance works as a gentle deterrent for unwanted reptiles.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a hardy herb with a fragrant scent that lizards avoid. This plant is drought-tolerant and does well in sunny, dry conditions. It requires minimal care once established and prefers well-drained soil. Rosemary can grow as a small shrub, adding greenery and texture to your garden.

In addition to repelling lizards, rosemary is useful in cooking and natural remedies. It attracts pollinators and has a long growing season. Pruning keeps the plant healthy and encourages new growth. Its woody aroma helps keep unwanted animals away naturally.

Lavender

Lavender is well known for its calming scent that repels many pests, including lizards. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil with little watering needed once mature. This plant requires minimal maintenance and is fairly resistant to drought. Lavender also adds a lovely color and fragrance to your outdoor space.

Growing lavender near entrances or windows can discourage lizards from entering. It attracts bees and butterflies, supporting your garden’s health. Regular trimming helps maintain its shape and promotes more blooms. Lavender is a practical and beautiful choice for lizard control.

Marigold

Marigolds produce a strong scent that repels lizards and other garden pests. They grow easily in various soil types and require moderate watering. Marigolds prefer full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. This flower is low maintenance and blooms throughout the growing season.

Planting marigolds near garden edges can help protect other plants from unwanted visitors. Their bright colors also add vibrancy to your garden. They attract beneficial insects that aid pollination. Marigolds provide natural pest control without extra effort.

Peppermint

Peppermint is another member of the mint family with a strong scent disliked by lizards. It grows quickly and spreads, so it is best planted in containers or confined areas. Peppermint prefers moist soil and partial sun to thrive. Regular trimming keeps the plant healthy and fragrant.

Using peppermint in your garden can help reduce lizard activity while offering fresh leaves for tea and flavoring. Its invigorating scent refreshes the garden space. The plant requires little care but responds well to occasional feeding. Peppermint is an effective and useful repellent.

Garlic

Garlic emits a strong odor that lizards avoid, making it a natural repellent. It grows best in cool weather with plenty of sunlight. Garlic needs well-drained soil and moderate watering. The plant requires some care, especially when planting and harvesting bulbs.

Plant garlic bulbs in the fall or early spring for best results. It also helps repel other pests such as insects and rodents. Growing garlic adds flavor to your kitchen while protecting your garden. Its pungent scent acts as a barrier against lizards.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees and shrubs produce a strong smell that lizards tend to avoid. They grow best in warm climates with full sun and well-drained soil. Eucalyptus plants require low maintenance but need space to grow due to their size. They are drought-tolerant once established.

Besides repelling lizards, eucalyptus is known for its medicinal oils and pleasant aroma. The leaves can be harvested for essential oils or decorative purposes. Eucalyptus trees provide shade and structure to larger gardens. Their scent helps keep reptiles and insects at bay.

Onion

Onions produce a strong sulfurous smell that repels lizards and many other pests. They grow best in cool weather with well-drained soil. Onions require moderate watering and some care during planting and harvest. This vegetable is easy to grow in garden beds or containers.

Growing onions near garden edges can discourage lizards from entering. They are a practical addition to vegetable gardens and kitchens. The plant’s scent naturally deters unwanted visitors. Onions serve both as food and pest control.

Citronella

Citronella plants are well known for repelling insects and reptiles with their strong lemon-like scent. They grow best in warm climates with full sunlight and well-drained soil. Citronella requires moderate watering and regular trimming to stay healthy. It is relatively low maintenance and easy to grow.

Using citronella in your garden helps keep lizards and mosquitoes away naturally. The plant can be grown in pots or garden beds. Its scent is pleasant for people but unpleasant for many pests. Citronella offers dual benefits of aroma and protection.

Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that lizards avoid due to its strong smell. It prefers sunny locations and well-drained soil. Sage is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care once established. Regular pruning promotes fresh growth and maintains the plant’s shape.

This herb adds flavor to many dishes while helping reduce lizard presence in your garden. It attracts beneficial insects that support pollination. Sage can be grown in pots or garden beds. Its scent works as a gentle, natural barrier.

Thyme

Thyme is a low-growing herb with a strong aroma that lizards find unappealing. It grows well in sunny spots with well-drained soil. Thyme is drought-resistant and requires little maintenance. Occasional trimming helps the plant stay healthy and encourages new growth.

Besides repelling lizards, thyme is a popular culinary herb that adds flavor to many recipes. It attracts pollinators and supports garden health. Thyme can be used fresh or dried for cooking. Its scent provides a natural defense for your outdoor space.

Choosing the right plants can help create a garden that naturally keeps lizards at a distance. Many of these plants require minimal care while adding beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space. Using natural repellents is a safe and eco-friendly way to protect your garden. Growing these lizard-repellent plants allows you to enjoy a peaceful garden without unwanted visitors.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.