Mosquitoes are more than just a pest, they can also carry diseases. Fortunately, there are several plants that mosquitos hate and are known to repel these pesky insects. Incorporating these plants into your garden or patio planters can help create a more enjoyable outdoor space. Here’s a list of mosquito-repelling plants, along with tips on how to plant and care for them, and suggestions for combinations that work well together in planters.
List of Mosquito-Repelling Plants
- Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus): Known for its strong lemon-like scent, citronella grass is a popular choice for repelling mosquitoes.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender’s pleasant fragrance is a natural mosquito deterrent.
- Marigolds (Tagetes spp.): These bright, cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum, a compound used in many insect repellents.
- Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Catnip is said to be even more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): This herb doubles as a mosquito repellent, particularly varieties like lemon basil and cinnamon basil.
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita): The strong scent of peppermint is disliked by mosquitoes.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Known for its woody fragrance, rosemary is another effective mosquito deterrent.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): This plant, with its lemon scent, can keep mosquitoes at bay.
- Scented Geraniums (Pelargonium spp.): Particularly varieties with a lemon scent, these geraniums are effective against mosquitoes.
- Garlic (Allium sativum): Planting garlic can help repel mosquitoes, as well as other pests.
How to Plant and Care for These Plants
- Citronella Grass:
- Planting: Citronella grass prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant in a large container or directly in the ground.
- Care: Water regularly, although not waterlogged. It can grow quite large, give it plenty of space.
- Lavender:
- Planting: Lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It can be grown in containers or the garden.
- Care: Water sparingly and ensure good air circulation. Prune back in the spring to encourage new growth.
- Marigolds:
- Planting: Marigolds prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They can be planted in the garden or in containers.
- Care: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Catnip:
- Planting: Catnip grows well in full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil.
- Care: Water moderately. Prune regularly to keep the plant bushy and to prevent it from becoming invasive.
- Basil:
- Planting: Basil requires well-drained soil and full sun. It does well in containers and garden beds.
- Care: Water regularly and pinch off flowers to encourage leaf growth.
- Peppermint:
- Planting: Peppermint prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
- Care: Water frequently and plant in a container to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably.
- Rosemary:
- Planting: Rosemary thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It can be grown in containers or the garden.
- Care: Water sparingly and prune regularly to maintain its shape.
- Lemon Balm:
- Planting: Lemon balm prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Care: Water regularly and prune to prevent it from becoming invasive.
- Scented Geraniums:
- Planting: These geraniums prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. They do well in containers.
- Care: Water regularly and deadhead spent flowers.
- Garlic:
- Planting: Garlic needs well-drained soil and full sun. Plant cloves in the fall for a summer harvest.
- Care: Water regularly, but reduce watering as the bulbs mature.
Planter Combinations for Patios or Decks
For a beautiful and functional mosquito-repelling planter, consider the following combinations:
- Citronella Grass, Marigolds, and Lavender:
- This trio offers a mix of heights and colors. Citronella grass as the tallest, surrounded by marigolds and lavender.
- Rosemary, Basil, and Scented Geraniums:
- This combination is not only effective against mosquitoes but also provides herbs for cooking. Plant rosemary in the center with basil and geraniums around it.
- Lemon Balm, Catnip, and Peppermint:
- This mix of green foliage and varied scents will keep mosquitoes away. Use a large container and keep peppermint in check.
- Lavender, Lemon Balm, and Garlic:
- These plants offer a blend of aesthetics and functionality. Plant garlic around the edges, with lavender and lemon balm in the center.
Happy Gardening!
When planting in containers, ensure good drainage and choose a quality potting mix. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and water appropriately based on each plant’s needs. With these plants and tips, you can create a mosquito-free oasis on your patio or deck.
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