Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!

Budget101 Discussion List Archives Budget101 Discussion List Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!

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      Melissa Burnell

      Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!

      If you are a serious gardener, you spend lots of time outdoors. And,

      for sure, you would rather be tending your plants than swatting

      mosquitoes.

      While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away, there

      are some plants that will beautify your yard and help repel

      mosquitoes.

      As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your yard, try

      planting these attractive plants.

      horsemint:

      horsemint has a scent similar to citronella. horsemint grows wild in

      most of the eastern united states, from mexico, texas up to minnesota

      to vermont. it is partial to sandy soils and will grow in usda zones

      5-10. Native Americans used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It

      has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it’s

      essential oils are high in thymol.

      rosemary:

      this wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural

      mosquito repellent. it has been used for centuries to keep pesky

      mosquitoes away. rosemary is a native of the mediterranean, so it

      likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil. it is hardy in usda

      zones 8-10, and must be grown as a pot plant in colder climates. If

      you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not

      grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops

      with 14 cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to

      fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellents, there is every reason

      to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is

      an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the

      landscape and have natural mosquito repellents on hand as well.

      marigolds:

      organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep

      aphids away. mosquitoes don’t like its scent any better (and some

      humans feel the same way). marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come

      in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. they are

      quite easy to grow from seed.

      ageratum:

      this charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes

      detest the smell. it is used in the perfume industry and is even in

      some commercial mosquito repellents. don’t rub ageratum on your skin,

      though. it has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want

      to keep on your skin in quantity. ageratums are annuals, and they come

      in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.

      mosquito plants:

      there are two types of plants that are called mosquito plants. one is

      a member of the geranium family that was genetically engineered to

      incorporate the properties of citronella. citronella only grows in

      tropical places, but it is a well known repellent for mosquitoes. this

      plant was created to bring the repellent properties of citronella into

      a hardier plant. it will grow where any geranium will thrive. many

      have questioned its usefulness as a mosquito repellent, but it is

      attractive enough to warrant planting for it’s ornamental value.

      the other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. its common names

      include texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant

      hummingbird mint. as you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted

      to it. it is a new mexico native, also found in parts of texas. it is,

      in fact, a member of the mint family and its leaves do have a pungent

      aroma when crushed. in its native habitat, it is perennial, and is

      usually hardy in usda zones 5a-9a. It blooms late summer to early

      fall, so it catches hummingbirds on their annual migration. The long,

      medium pink flowers reel in butterflies as well.

      catnip:

      one of the most powerful mosquito repellent plants is ordinary

      catnip. recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective

      than deet at repelling mosquitoes. it is a short lived perennial

      throughout most of the united states. it is easy to grow from seed,

      and quickly reseeds. aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the

      leaves make a very soothing tea.

      with all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the

      aroma. otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. and, with rosemary and

      catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and

      clothing to enhance the effect.

      so, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of

      these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape.

      you can have pretty ornamentals that also drive mosquitoes away.

      kelly in il

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Budget101 Discussion List Archives Budget101 Discussion List Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!