Mosquitoes in Your Garden? Try Planting These!

[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

[Author]

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