6 rodent-repelling plants every garden needs
Rodents, like rats and mice, aren’t just a nuisance — they can be downright destructive, chewing through roots, bulbs, and even fruit in our gardens (and that's before they start venturing into our homes).
But rather than turning to harmful, toxic solutions to get rid of them, why not let nature lend a hand?
Certain plants bring beauty and fragrance to your outdoor space and work as natural deterrents to keep rodents at bay. Think of it as gardening smarter, not harder.
Below, plant and flower expert Igor Podyablonskiy from My Flowers and Neil Miller, head gardener at Hever Castle & Gardens, share their tried-and-tested advice on keeping pesky rodents at bay...
6 garden plants to keep rodents away
Rosemary
A culinary favourite, rosemary is also a natural deterrent for rodents. Its strong, woody scent is unappealing to them, making it an excellent choice for planting near vulnerable areas such as pathways or vegetable patches.
“Rosemary thrives in sunny locations with well-draining soil and can be pruned into attractive shapes. Not only does it deter pests, but you’ll also have fresh sprigs for your roasts,” Igor tells Country Living.
With minimal maintenance, this versatile plant is a must-have for any garden.
Alliums (onion and garlic)
Both onions and garlic are highly effective at keeping pests at bay due to their pungent aroma. Igor adds: “Rodents avoid the strong smell of these plants. They’re easy to grow in sunny, well-drained areas and can be planted alongside other crops to create a natural barrier.”
Harvest the bulbs when they mature, and you’ll protect your garden and enjoy fresh ingredients in your kitchen.
Mint
The intense aroma of mint is a powerful tool against rodents. “While we may love its fresh scent, it overwhelms rodents and keeps them away,” Igor continues.
Mint thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and grows rapidly. It’s ideal for planting in raised beds or containers to prevent it from taking over your garden. “Strategically place mint around your garden for maximum effect, and you can also use it in teas and garnishes,” he adds.
Lavender
Known for its calming fragrance, lavender has a surprising hidden talent: repelling rodents.
Igor continues: “The oil in its leaves and flowers disrupts rodents’ sense of smell.” Lavender is a hardy plant that flourishes in sunny, well-drained areas and can be used to line pathways and borders.
“Prune it after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage further growth,” he advises. Plus, it attracts pollinators, making it a win-win for gardens.
Daffodils
With their cheerful blooms, daffodils add beauty to any garden while naturally repelling rodents.
“Their leaves and bulbs contain alkaloids that are toxic to rodents,” explains Neil. “If rodents are a problem, choose daffodils — effective and can bloom from December to April with varieties like ‘Early Sensation’ and ‘Winston Churchill’.” For best results, plant bulbs in autumn at a depth of two to three times their size in well-drained soil.
Another pro tip: “Another option is to plant bulbs in pots and cover them with fine-gauge wire to prevent rodents from digging them up. Once the bulbs shoot, they’re less tempting to squirrels and rodents.”
Tulips
Tulips may be a favourite for gardeners and rodents alike, but Neil has some tricks to protect them. “We’ve found that planting tulip bulbs with chilli powder or sprinkling it on top can deter them,” he shares. “I also use a homemade repellent made from peppermint oil, lavender, lemongrass oil, and citronella, which works well to keep rodents off the tulips and bedding plants.”
For extra protection, Neil recommends grating soap into the planting hole. “The rodents don’t like the taste of soap, and it infuses with the bulb to keep them away.”
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