This simple trick of Scattering Bay Leaves in Your Garden has incredible benefits, including naturally repelling pests and diseases!
You can easily have a garden where pests are nowhere to be found, plants are thriving, and the air is relaxing and fresh. All you have to do is scatter bay leaves in your garden like this!
Scatter Bay Leaves in Your Garden for This Incredible Benefit
1. For a Natural Pest Repellant Garden
Bay leaves are a natural pest repellant, thanks to the presence of aromatic compounds like eucalyptol and cineole. These compounds release a scent that is pleasant for humans but is quite overwhelming to garden pests such as aphids, ants, cockroaches, moths, beetles, and snails.
If you scatter some leaves around the base of your plants, it will create a protective barrier that keeps your plants safe from unwanted critters. Unlike chemical pesticides, bay leaves can be an eco-friendly solution.
The best part is that they won’t harm any beneficial insects like bees and butterflies.
Pro Tip: You can grind or crush the leaves slightly to promote the release of the oils in them.
2. Keeping Fungal Issues Afar
Fungal infections can be a common issue in plants, especially in humid environments, but you can scatter bay leaves in your garden for this incredible benefit. The leaves have antifungal properties, resulting from compounds like terpenoids that can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew.
When dry bay leaves are scattered near the stems of susceptible plants, they help reduce the fungal spore count in the soil. They also decompose slowly and gradually release their antifungal agents for longer protection.
Pro Tip: You can simmer some bay leaves in water, strain the liquid, and then use this to water your plants once it cools down.
3. It’s a Great Soil Enrichment
Adding crushed bay leaves to the first few inches of the soil can do wonders for your plants. As the leaves break down, they release elements like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which aid plant growth. They will improve soil structure, promote microbial activity, and create a healthy plant ecosystem.
You can also try grinding some dry ones and mixing the crushed powder with the potting medium. It works just as great for potted plants.
4. Repel Moles and Rodents
Rodents like rats and moles can wreak havoc in your garden by destroying the roots, bulbs, and fruits. The pungent aroma of bay leaves is unpleasant for these unwanted visitors as well and can be lethal to mice. So, you can use bay leaves to control rodents naturally.
Scatter some bay leaves or crushed leaf powder near places where rodents appear or enter, such as garden edges, near compost bins, or around vulnerable plants. You can also place them inside sheds or storage areas to keep rodents from nesting there.
Pro Tip: If the problem is serious, add a bit of peppermint oil to crushed bay leaves and let it sit overnight. Next day, dip cotton balls or cloth pieces in the mix and push them into the holes or crevices. Pair this remedy with these tricks.
5. A Natural Mulch
We bet you never knew scattering bay leaves in your garden would give you this incredible benefit! Using bay leaves as mulch is simple yet effective. Their flat, sturdy structure makes them perfect for covering the soil during winter. They also help retain moisture and suppress the growth of weeds.
Mix bay leaves with organic matter like tree bark, straws, or cloves. You can also mix them with lavender, thyme, rosemary, and oregano for a woody mulch.
6. Natural Mosquito Repellant
Bay leaves are a natural mosquito repellant that makes your garden experience more enjoyable in the evenings. The terpenoids in the leaves repel mosquitoes very effectively.
Scatter dry leaves near seating areas, patios, or walkways to minimize the spread of mosquitoes in these areas. If you need something stronger, burn some dried bay leaves and use the smoke to drive away mosquitoes or harmful insects.
