We love this time of year! The world around us is literally blooming, and everything feels fresh. If you're anything like us, you can't wait to dig your hands into the soil and bring your garden back to life.

Unfortunately, we live in a world where chemical-laden products have become the norm - even for natural spaces like our gardens. Essential oils can help change that...

Did you know? Essential oils can be very valuable tools for gardeners of all skill levels, helping you to enhance your gardening experience while cultivating a vibrant, healthy and pest-free harvest. 

Whether you're trying to keep pests at bay, improve plant health or simply make your garden a more enjoyable space, essential oils can help.

Essential Oil Plant Pairings

Let's start with plant and essential oil pairings. In the same way that certain plant pairings work especially well together in the garden, there are also certain essential oils that can pair well with your plants to boost health and longevity. 

While this topic is vast and we suggest you do research to find the best pairing for your plants specifically, basil and lavender are our go-to oils for garden favorites like tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, cabbage and apples. 

Often the best way to help your plants benefit from essential oils is to add them directly to your watering can. This helps the oil to be absorbed quickly into the root systems when watering. 

Tip: Avoid watering plant leaves with your oil/water mixture in very hot weather, as the oil can quickly heat and burn your plants!

Essential Oils As Insect Deterrents

We often preach the benefits of using essential oils throughout the home for pest control, but did you know they can also be used  in the same way to protect your plants?

Here's a quick recipe for an all-natural insect repellent that is safe to use around and on your plants:

Fill an 8 oz. spray bottle with water and add in 10-15 drops each of peppermint oil, clove oil and rosemary oil. Spray throughout your garden where you see problems with ants, slugs or beetles. 

Essential Oils As Pet Deterrents

Did you know that cats typically dislike the smell of rosemary? If you are having trouble keeping your cats out of your indoor or outdoor plants, just spray the mulch or dirt with rosemary oil diluted in water. It should help to your plants safe, and it won't harm your pets!

Essential Oils To Attract Pollinators

Are you hoping to attract more bees and butterflies to your garden this summer? Lavender, basil, helichrysum and orange oil are all great for attracting bees. Butterflies are typically attracted to lavender, helichrysum and sage. 

A great way to infuse your garden with these essential oils is to soak small strips of cloth in the oils and gently tie them around plant stems and branches. The aromas will travel with the breeze and attract nearby pollinators. Bonus! You'll be able to enjoy an especially fragrant garden yourself!

Essential Oils To Banish Plant Fungus

Most plant disease is caused by fungus, and tea tree is one of the few natural remedies that actually has the power to kill and prevent many species of plant fungus. 

In a small spray bottle combine 1 cup of water and 20 drops of tea tree oil. Shake well and mist onto the soil and stems of your plants, avoiding the leaves (tea tree can often cause delicate plant leaves to become more sensitive to the sun).