Ep 133: Bug Off Naturally: Growing Insect-Repelling Plants & Safe Bug Bite Herbal Remedies Artwork

The Messed Up Gardener

Hello and Welcome to The Messed Up Gardener. This podcast covers all areas of gardening from a beginner, intermediate to advanced level. It covers gardening on any budget, any space, any place. There are no rules when it comes to me, and my gardens and I do it messy. There is nothing more fun than getting your hands dirty and creating that space that gives you joy and abundance. This podcast will give tips, tricks, hacks and methodology’s to make any space work from the tiny indoor garden to the rolling meadows with even a dash of bees and hydroponics thrown in. I have been a horticulturist for as long as I can remember and in the industry since I was 15 so that’s nearly 30 years of hands on gardening experience. I am really looking forward to being on this journey & doing it messy with you.

All Episodes

The Messed Up Gardener

Ep 133: Bug Off Naturally: Growing Insect-Repelling Plants & Safe Bug Bite Herbal Remedies

June 29, 2025 • Esther Aitken

Get ready to reclaim your garden from bugs the natural way! In this episode, I’m sharing how to grow a living “bug-off” shield with plants like lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, and more—plus super simple herbal remedies to soothe bites and protect your family (especially the little ones).

I’ll also be talking about how to create a kid-friendly “No-Bite Zone” that’s as magical as it is practical. And of course, I’ll share some fun personal updates on launching my own business, battling midges in the cold, and how I’m weaving my health and safety work in with this new chapter of my gardening journey.

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, and these natural remedies are for educational purposes only. Always do a patch test and consult a professional if you’re unsure—especially with young kids.

🎧 Listen in for:
✅ My top bug-repelling garden heroes 🌱
✅ DIY herbal bug sprays and bite-soothing wipes 🍃
✅ Tips for building a child-friendly repellent garden 🌸
✅ A challenge to grow just one new plant this week and share it with the world!

Tune in and join the #BugOffNaturally movement! 🌿✨

👉 Connect with Esther on Instagram @themessedupgardener and share your autumn garden wins, fails, and cozy compost moments!

🛠️ Ready to get more from your garden? Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming mini masterclasses packed with real talk, practical tips, and a little bit of garden messiness and share this episode with a fellow plant lovers!

Follow our Journey on our Facebook Pages

The Messed Up Gardener Or Shesther’s Mushrooms

Or Grab

· A Step by Step guide on how to create your own DIY self-watering planters

https://stan.store/EstherA/p/create-your-own-diy-self-watering-garden-planters

Don’t forget to grab one of my gardening freebees.

Freebies: Grab the

- "12 Essential Tips for a Thriving Garden: From Planning to Harvest" Practical Tips to Help You Grow a Flourishing Garden

- https://stan.store/EstherA

- Organic gardening Cheat Sheet: Natural methods for chemical free cultivation https://stan.store/EstherA

- Garden Goals Planning Worksheet https://stan.store/EstherA/p/get-my-garden-goals-planning-worksheet-now

Gardening can happen in any space, in any place, and on any budget.