Garlic Companion Planting: Deterring Pests Naturally in Australia

Why Garlic Works as a Companion Garlic produces allicin and other sulphur-containing compounds that are released into the surrounding air and soil. These compounds act as olfactory deterrents for many insect pests — the strong odour interferes with the chemical signals insects use to locate host plants. Research at several Australian institutions has demonstrated measurable reductions in aphid, whitefly, and spider mite populations in plots adjacent to garlic plantings, particularly when garl…