One of the joys of summer are the evenings outdoors – dinner on the patio or enjoying the evening with friends sitting around the fire pit. It would be great, but what can we do to discourage the bugs – especially the pesky mosquitos – some nights they can be brutal. So, we’re driven inside earlier than we’d like just to avoid getting eaten alive.
Good news! There are a few easy things you can do to minimize mosquitos in your yard. There are plants that not only provide a nice addition to your garden and patio but also help to repel these insects.
Of course, the old faithful citronella candles and tiki torches with citronella oil help but sometimes they’re too far away or a breeze carries their ‘fragrance’ away from where you want to sit. Also, some people find the odor from burning the citronella offensive.
Why not put some plants around the garden and patio that not only help to keep mosquitos away but you can also harvest the fresh herbs for the kitchen?
Plants that Repel Mosquitos
There are a number of plants that are known to repel insects, especially mosquitos. Here is a list of 14 plants that will work:
- Basil
- Bee balm
- Citronella
- Lemon balm
- Marigold
- Mint
- Nepta (cat mint)
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Rosemary
The following are also good for repelling mosquitos; however, they are listed as toxic or poisonous to animals in the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Registry so if you have animals in your home use caution if planting these.
- Citronella geranium
- Lantana
- Lavender
- Lemon grass
Planting a Garden that Repels Mosquitos
Now that we have a list of plants that help repel mosquitos, let’s design a garden. The first step is to determine whether the area will receive full sun, part sun, or shade?
Planting in medium sized containers will allow you to move the plants around so that you obtain maximum effect from their presence when you and friends are hanging out at night.
Choosing the Right Plants
Once you determine the best location it’s time to shop for plants. If choosing to create a container design with a few plants, it’s important to make sure that they each have the same or similar light conditions as well as water conditions.
An idea, shown in the picture above, are bug repelling plants grouped in this container:
Marigolds
- Thai Basil
- Red Rubin Basil
- Trailing Oregano
- Oregano
- Sage
- Tri-color Sage
Read the plant tags and, if in doubt, check with a nursery person. Understanding light and water conditions will help you take better care of your plants after the container garden is finished.
Designing Your Garden
While shopping around the nursery, look for plants that would accentuate the planters and could handle light conditions in their locations.
One of the things I like to do is group my plants together in the nursery to see how they look together. Are they aesthetically pleasing? Do the colors complement one another.
I look at foliage, blooms, plant size, and the overall plant habit.
Design Tips: If you are designing a container garden, consider using the "thriller, filler, and spiller method" of planter design. If planting directly in the ground, work in layers and groups of odd numbers.
You can reclaim your patio and enjoy outdoor living again free from bugs and mosquitos plus have a beautiful garden and flower pots filled with plants that repel mosquitos AND provide fresh herbs for your kitchen.
If you are considering selling your home now is a perfect time with inventory at historically low levels we have been seeing a number of offers well-above list price. My book, that you can obtain for FREE, provides a lot of helpful information and advice on the home selling process!
FREE SELLING SECRETS BOOK OFFER
For even more tips and articles about selling or buying a home subscribe to Geni's FaceBook and YouTube Channel at:
Geni Manning Real Estate Group - FaceBook
Geni Manning Real Estate Group - YouTube Channel
Contact Geni directly at 469-556-1185 or
RealEstate@GeniManning.com for a
No Obligation phone consultation!
Geni is a native Texan and has spent her life in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. She has served North Texans for nearly four decades providing expert advice and real solutions to their real estate goals. She is an author, speaker and trainer with an impeccable reputation for integrity and determination. Geni’s personal contacts reach across literally thousands of the top brokers and agents throughout the nation, affording her a unique ability to help you with your relocation needs, Geni and her Team know how to SELL, what works and what doesn’t! She has a proven track record of selling homes faster and for a higher price than most agents, even in the most difficult markets! You can be assured of the most professional and successful marketing strategy for sellers, and a thorough knowledge of the area for buyers. Geni’s credentials include earning 12 highly recognized designations and 100s of Five Star Reviews, which is why Geni is known as a Master of Residential Real Estate.