It doesn't matter if you're working in the garden or just lounging on your patio, nothing can ruin the fun faster than annoying mosquitoes buzzing around your head and biting. Sure you can cover up with long sleeves or apply insect repellent, but there are other ways to keep those pesky mosquito's at bay. Did you know that adding certain types of plants will also repel mosquitoes?
The oils found in certain plants, such as herbs, are natural mosquito deterrents. Here's a list of some of the most popular ones.
Citronella - This probably doesn't come to much of a surprise as it's one of the most common ingredient found used in repellents. Items such as scented candles and tiki torches. Citronella also has many other uses such as being used in household disinfectants, fragrance in soaps and aromatherapy.
It is advisable to plant them in the background as they can grow up to six fee tall. Citronella can be grown directly in the ground in climates where frost does not occur or in cold regions, citronella can also be grown in a large pot, preferably with casters. They can be rolled indoors during the winter months. Like most grasses, Citronella plants are considered low maintenance and they do best in full sun and well-drained locations. It's suggest to apply applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers will ensure vigorous growth, preferably once a year in the early spring.
Basil - Not only is basil great in recipes but also does a great job as a natural mosquito and other insects repellent. Lemon, cinnamon and peruvian basil are all very effective mosquitoes due to their strong aroma. Basil can be grown in pots or in a garden either and prefers full sun in rich well draining soil.
Marigold - The strong aroma of African or French Marigolds is powerful enough to deter mosquito's and other incests, even some people. Marigolds are a hardy annual plant that is commonly grown as ornamental border plants. All marigolds need lots of sun and do best in well drained moderately fertile soil but will grow just bout anywhere. You can also plant marigolds in containers as you normally would, then just place the containers anywhere in the garden where you want a mosquito free zone.
Catnip - That's correct, the same plant that makes cats go bonkers also acts as a repellent for mosquitoes. In fact, an Iowa State University study reports that catnip is ten times more effective than DEET, the chemical found in most commercial insect repellents. Catnip will repeal mosquitoes in close range of the plant, catnip provides a better protection when their natural oil found in their leaves are crushed and then applied. Just bear in mind, the same aroma that deters mosquitoes also attracts cats so if you're a cat owner you may want to stick with some of the other plants listed.
Catnip is very easy to grow and prefers lots of sun light and water. In fact catnip is so easy to grow many suggest growing in a container as it can easily take over your garden or even lawn.
Lavender - While very pleasing to the eye in a garden, lavender is a commonly found ingredient in many homemade repellents. Not only does lavender repel mosquitoes but also does a great job with fleas, moths, and many bugs. Lavender is also very easy to grow with well drained soil and like catnip can easily take over a garden so be sure to keep it pruned as well or plant in a container. Because lavender can grow up to four feet tall, it's commonly found around seating areas.
Lemon Grass - Makes a great mosquito repellent with it's fresh lemony aroma and looks great planted around your patio, desk or other outdoor living spaces. Like citronella and other grasses, lemon grass is also easy to grow.
Lemongrass may be grown from seeds, but it is a rather lengthy process. It is actually easier to grow lemongrass from the mature plant, which you can buy at your preferred produce spot, Asian market or grocery store. Purchase a bundle of lemongrass, and when you get it home, trim the tops of the plant, and remove any dead parts. Place the trimmed grass in a clear jar or glass of water, then place this on a sunny windowsill. Within a few weeks, this will develop roots and can be transplanted into a spot with full sun.
Mint - This very hardy plant that grows rapidly in a container or the ground not only make a great addition to snacks or cocktails, but does a fine job repelling mosquitoes as well. Simply pick mint leaves and rub them on your skin as a mosquito repellent, or just include the plants in your landscape.
Rosemary - Another herb that's great for cooking but also serves as a repellent for mosquitoes and even fleas. Rosemary grows best in hardiness zones 7 to 10 prefers full sun and dry rocky well drained soil. It is a large plant that can reach heights of 6 feet so be sure to trim is frequently.
Using some of these plants can potentially make your living spaces much more bearable and mosquito free. For an even more effective solution, simply crush up some of the leaves and simply rub them on the areas you want protected. All of which provides you with a natural way to deal with these annoying pests without the use of commercial chemicals.
What other plants do you know of that will repel mosquitoes or other insects?