So lately the hot weather has reared it’s ugly head and with that brings the storms, which in turn brings the BUGS. I hate bugs. The gnats and mosquitos out here are out of control. Remember, I’m from out west. Very few flying-biting insects out in the desert. Anyway, I recently heard about mosquito repelling plants. Who knew?! I’ll try anything at this point and I love gardening so this is right up my alley.
I’m moving into a new home at the end of the year…a home all my own. This is my plan – hoard mosquito repelling plants and put them everywhere. I found many articles on these types of plants but lets just reference my favorite selections from this one.
Citronella Grass – Not sure I ever heard of it but apparently it’s scented like lemons. And growing up in AZ with lemon trees all around, this will remind me of home. This scent naturally repels mosquitos or keeps them at bay. Low maintenance is another one of it’s great qualities! This plant is gorgeous too! I love ornamental grasses. You’ll definitely see these in my yard. I’ll be putting these them in containers all over my patios most likely.
Catmint (catnip) – So this plant is from the mint family and can apparently thrive almost anywhere and they’re also invasive, so I’d keep them in containers too. But, they’re 10 times more effective at repelling mosquitos than DEET! Again, super easy to take care of but very invasive. So be careful with this one.
Basil – I love basil in the kitchen. It’s delicious. We use it with fresh mozzarella, tomato and balsamic vinegar as a snack. I’m sure I’ll find more uses for it when it’s growing in my backyard. Double bonus that it’s strong scent keeps pests at bay, especially mosquitos! Any kind of basil will do! It needs to be kept damp, with good drainage and loves lots of sun. Again, another plant that I will be putting in pots. Can’t wait!
Lavender – So I do love lavender, I’ve had it before. The problem in my experience with lavender comes with the bees it attracts and how out of control it can grow. Lavender, however, is never bothered by animals and pests. Some even say that lavender oil (on the plant’s leaves) hinders a mosquitos ability to smell! This is one tough plant and also needs full sun and good drainage. I’ll probably be giving it a shot.
Lemon Scented Geranium – I’ve always loved geraniums. Something I just learned today is that there are tons of hybrid varieties with all kind of smells – strawberry, apple, lemon, nutmeg, rose, chocolate mint….crazy, right?! They are fast growing and like warm, sunny, and dry climates. They can be grown in planters but will need constant pruning.
So there’s a few of the plants I’ll be trying when the time comes. I’ll blog about how effective they actually are. See ya next post!
Ty