15 Dog-Resistant Plants to Keep Your Garden Safe

tongpatong/Getty

Dogs are curious creatures; sometimes, they see your carefully tended plants as the perfect playground. So, if you’ve got a dog that loves to roam outside or a neighbor’s curious pet always sneaking into your garden, are there plants that dogs avoid? The good news is that these 15 plants keep dogs out of your flower beds.

Lavender

ChiemSeherin/Pixabay

Lavender is a popular garden choice in many mild climates due to its beautiful flowers, pleasant fragrance, and essential oils. It thrives in dry, sunny spots and has many benefits. Its strong scent can be powerful enough to discourage curious animals. Dogs might find the smell of lavender so intense that they avoid it and often end up sneezing after encountering it.

Rosemary

lucavolpe/Pixabay

This culinary herb enhances flavor and is a powerful dog deterrent. Dogs usually do not like rosemary’s strong, pine-like aroma, which makes it an excellent option for planting along garden borders or in containers. However, be cautious in colder climates, where rosemary may not survive frost without protection.

Marigold

sumeet2002/Pixabay

Highly-sensitive dogs will likely avoid areas with marigold bushes due to their strong scent. However, more than a few marigold plants will be needed; you need a good number to create a noticeable fragrance throughout your garden. Plant them around ponds, vegetable patches (as companion plants), and flower beds for the best effect.

Mint

sumeet2002/Pixabay

It’s surprising that while dogs might jump into the trash, they can’t stand the smell of fresh mint. But it’s true! Strong-smelling herbs like mint often bother their nose. You can use this scent to keep your garden safe from a digging dog. Not only will these herbs deter them from other plants, but you’ll also have a fresh supply to spice up your cooking!

Pepper Plants

Pepper Plants

Pepper plants are grown for spicy, sweet, or hot fruits packed with capsaicin. This compound causes a burning sensation that helps keep pests and grazers away. Dogs and cats usually avoid peppers, especially if they’ve tasted the burn! It’s likely to retreat once it whiffs the strong capsaicin scent.

Rue

Nennieinszweidrei/Pixabay

Rue is an herb with a bitter taste and strong odor that many animals, including dogs, find unpleasant. It’s a tough plant that can tolerate various soil conditions but prefers full sun. However, rue can be toxic if ingested, so it’s best to use it in areas where your dog is less likely to wander.

Citronella Grass

sarangib/Pixabay

When the plant’s leaves are crushed or damaged, they release an intense aroma from the oils that can be overpowering. Besides deterring dogs, its scent also repels mosquitoes and flies. But be aware that citronella grass can be aggressive and might compete with other plants if it spreads beyond its intended area.

Curry Plant

Tanuj_handa/Pixabay

While not as potent as other options, the curry plant’s fragrant foliage might create a dog-unfriendly environment. It’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, making it a relatively easy addition to your garden. Aside from being a dog deterrent, the curry plant is also an attractive and aromatic herb. 

Plectranthus Canina

Uri Yerochov/Pixabay

Many of us know Plectranthus Canina as the “Scaredy Cat” plant, which is famous for its ability to keep cats at bay with its distinctive odor. It’s also surprisingly effective at repelling dogs. The best part? Humans won’t notice the smell unless they brush against the plant or intentionally rub it to release the scent. 

Citrus Trees

Hans/Pixabay

These trees offer many benefits. They not only look great and yield plenty of lemons or oranges, but they also create a stunning row of greenery in your garden. Plus, their strong citrus scent helps keep both cats and dogs away. However, citrus trees take a while to grow, so you should purchase a fully-grown one for any immediate need.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply