Summer is almost here, and the battle is already starting to keep mosquitoes away from all of the outdoors spaces and places you love most.
Unfortunately, with warm weather comes the arrival of the pesky mosquito. And nothing will ruin a beautiful outdoor evening faster than an invasion of these unwelcome pests!
One minute, you and your family and friends are enjoying a glorious summer evening on the patio. But the next minute, everyone is flailing their arms and smacking their skin to fight off a mosquito attack.
But beyond their painful, itchy bites, these flying creatures also spread a whole host of diseases. Just one more of the many reasons everyone wants to keep them as far away as possible.
Controlling Mosquitoes Without Harsh Chemicals
There are, of course, all sorts of chemical concoctions available for mosquito control. Everything from mosquito repellents, aerosol sprays, creams and more can be found for sale.
But, not only can these products be expensive, they can also be a bit worrisome. Especially when it comes to the safety of you and your family. In addition, many of these pest sprays also kill beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and other key pollinators.
But what if you could help repel mosquitoes simply by planting a few, easy-to grow plants in your landscape? Well, actually, you can!
In fact, from potted patio plants, to herbs, perennials, annuals and more, there are actually a whole slew of plants that mosquitoes simply detest. Enough that it usually keeps them from even entering the space.
By simply planting and growing these plants near the outdoor areas you love, you can help drive away mosquitoes naturally. All while adding incredible natural beauty to your landscape and patio! Here is a look at 5 of the best plants to grow to help repel mosquitoes:
5 Plants To Grow To Help Keep Mosquitoes Away
Marigolds – 5 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
The pungent smell released by marigolds is extremely bothersome to mosquitoes. Even better, that same scent also happens to repel a lot of other annoying pests and insects too!
Marigolds are one of the best companion plants in the vegetable garden. There, they help keep everything from aphids, beetles, whiteflies and hornworms at bay. But they are also fantastic when it comes to repelling mosquitoes.
Grow as a border planting along decks an patios to help keep them out of entertaining spaces. Or, plant directly into pots and containers to add color and protection nearby.
Marigolds come in so many different shapes and sizes, and bring loads of color to planters, gardens and flowerbeds. Varieties of French Marigolds (shown above) are some of the most effective marigolds at repelling pests.
Even better, they can be easily started from seed, making them extremely economical. Simply save seed heads from year to year, and you will have more than enough to plant again and again!
Nasturtiums – 5 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
Nasturtiums are another great annual flower for gardens and flowerbeds when it comes to controlling all types of pests. One of which, of course, happens to be mosquitoes!
Nasturtium varieties bloom in a beautiful array of red, orange and yellow colors. They are also highly economical and easy to grow. Most varieties will germinate and grow quickly from seed planted directly in pots or the ground.
They produce their own unique chemical marker that naturally repels mosquitos. It also helps stave off other pests such as aphids, whiteflies and squash bugs as well.
They can be a perfect hedge border planting around a garden. Even better, they look just as beautiful in small pots placed on a patio. Remove the blooms as they expire to help keep them blooming strong all summer long.
Citronella – 5 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
The Citronella plant has long been known as a natural repellent for mosquitoes. In fact, its unique scent is placed in candles, oils and sprays as a common deterrent. But the actual plant is perfect for helping to keep mosquitoes away naturally.
Although only winter hardy in growing zones 9 through 11, citronella can be grown in pots and containers on patios during the spring, summer and fall, and then overwintered indoors.
The plant is ultra low-maintenance, and its beautiful blooms can add beauty to any sunny patio. All while protecting your from mosquitoes! Much like marigolds, they also grow easily from seed.
Oregano – 5 Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
Oregano is a culinary herb that is not only delicious for adding flavor to dishes, but also wonderful in the fight to repel mosquitoes.
It’s compact, fragrant and beautiful leaf structure look right at home in the garden. You can also grow them in planters and pots on patio tables too. Or, grow them as a trailer in hanging baskets. The options are endless!
Mosquitoes tend to stay away from the plants distinct aroma. However, the oil extract from oregano leaves is also wonderful for making all-natural repellent sprays. Some folks even rub the leaves on their arms and legs to keep mosquitoes from biting.
And when you grow it on your patio – you have it handy for all of those tasty homemade culinary dishes. And what other plant can help to flavor pizza, pasta sauce – and help repel mosquitoes!
Lemon Balm – Plants That Keep Mosquitoes Away
Lemon Balm is another easy-to-grow herb that has long been known to repel mosquitoes.
The leaves of lemon balm contain large amounts of citronellal. That just happens to be a compound that shares many of the same insect repelling benefits of Citronella. You can make sprays by blending and soaking the leaves, or use it right from the plant!
As an all-natural quick repellent, simply strip a few leaves off. Next, crush them in your hands, and rub on your exposed arms and legs.
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Lemon balm can be planted near patios, in gardens, or flowerbeds. It grows easily and fills the surrounding air with a wondrous scent.
Here is to keeping mosquitoes away from your outdoor entertaining areas – and enjoying a great summer! Happy Gardening – Jim and Mary.
Jim and Mary Competti have been writing gardening, DIY and recipe articles and books for over 15 years from their 46 acre Ohio farm. The two are frequent speakers on all things gardening and love to travel in their spare time.
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