Editor's Note: Products featured on Wide Open Eats are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
I f you don't like snakes — we can't say we blame you. The good news: they're not actually harmful to your garden, and most of the time, they're not harmful to you either. The bad news: If you have kids or pets, they probably will be frightened by the slithery little guys. But because you don't want to hurt these snakes in your plight to keep them away from.your flower beds, we recommend not using snake repellant or anything with chemicals. Some plants repel snakes and might keep them from invading your space when you're pulling some weeds.
What Kind of Snakes Are In Your Garden?
Snakes like tall grass, rocks, and hanging near food sources — and gardens tend to have all of those. Luckily, you most likely have non-venomous snakes in your garden. Most likely, you're dealing with Garter snakes, Rat snakes, Water snakes, and Gardener Snakes. Here are our top picks for plants that repel snakes to put on your walkway or backyard. We included the best ways to water and care for them, as well as their hardiness zones. If you're unfamiliar with what that means, find more about it here.
Best Plants for Repelling Snakes
1. Marigold
French Marigold Sparky Mix Seeds - Amazon, $11.55
Snakes are not fans of marigolds. These low-maintenance plants put off strong odors. Don't worry, nothing strong enough to keep you out of your garden, just snakes and critters. Some would describe the drought-resistant flower's smell as musky and pungent. They can grow six- to 18-inches tall and love full-sun exposure. Expect them to bloom this summer!
Plant these as companion plants for vegetable gardens.
Hardiness Zones: 2-11
Sun Exposure: Full-sun
Soil: Well-drained
2. Lemongrass
Outsidepride Lemon Grass Plant Seeds - Amazon, $6.49
A snake repellent plant that you need in your garden is a West Indian lemongrass plant. Like most unwanted critters, they hate strong citrus smells. They have a strong lemon aroma. These will also keep mosquitoes away, along with outdoor citronella candles. Keeping snakes out of your garden has never been easier. Visit Amazon for citronella candles. These can become a couple of feet tall, and lemongrass plants prefer full sun to partial said and need well-drained soil to thrive. Be sure to place them at least 3-feet apart. They will continue to grow as an annual in cold areas, but you can bring them indoors once winter comes around.
Hardiness Zones: 9-10
Sun Exposure: Full-sun
Soil: Well-drained
3. Mugwort
Outsidepride Mugwort - 5000 Seeds - Amazon, $6.49
Mugwort, or wormwood, also produces strong smells that snakes aren't fond of. Expect these plants to bloom in the summertime with full-sun and well-draining soil. With proper care, it can reach heights of 40-60 inches. This is a shrug-like plant, so consider these for your hedges or walkways.
Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Sun Exposure: Full-sin
Soil: Well-drained
4. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Superba Robusta Snake Plant - Amazon, $27.99
Mother-in-Law's tongues, AKA, snake plants are said to be impossible to kill since they're easy to care for. The seller says they will thrive in very bright light to dark corners of the house — all you need to do is water your plant when the soil dries. It's that easy, y'all! They have sharp leaves, and they do not feel food against a snake's skin. They'll be sure to slither right out of your moist soil for good.
Hardiness Zones: 9-11
Sun Exposure: Any
Soil: Well-drained/Slightly moist
5. Pink agapanthus
15 Seeds Society Garlic Seeds - Amazon, $14.99
These pink flowers are pretty, but they don't necessarily smell "pretty." They're known for smelling like garlic! You might know them as society garlic or tulbaghia violacea. They love full sun and need moist soil. Expect blooms from early summer through fall.
Hardiness Zones: 7-10
Sun Exposure: Full-sun
Soil: Well-drained
READ MORE: $33 Tool Holder Is the Solution to Messy Garden Sheds
