There are few greater pest control solutions than a garden full of plants that repel bugs - naturally. Many plants like mosquito-warding citronella grass have scents or other features that bugs can’t stand, encouraging them to give your garden a wide berth. Not only can these plants keep you more comfortable, they can help protect your other plants from hungry pests.
If you’re interested in natural insect repellents, try these insect-repelling plants:
Lavender
The scent of lavender has been shown to have a calming effect on humans, but it can also deter mosquitos. The potent essential oils found in lavender can repel most mosquito species for six to eight hours. Filling your garden with lavender or planting it around your home will encourage the biting, buzzing bugs to stay away while helping attract butterflies and honeybees.
Marigolds
Though they don’t have a strong scent, marigolds are another flower that keeps mosquitoes away. Marigolds contain insecticidal properties called phytotoxins that repel other insects like whiteflies, grain beetles and aphids.
From a gardening perspective, marigolds are low maintenance plants with vibrant blooms you can enjoy all summer.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a versatile herb beloved by home gardeners because of its ability to thrive in a variety of climates and situations. When grown in the garden, window boxes, containers or as part of your landscaping, you can count on the essential oils in rosemary leaves to repel mosquitoes.
When in bloom, rosemary also attracts bees and other pollinators to help your garden at the same time.
Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are a popular flowering vine you can use to protect your vegetable garden or outdoor living space through diversion. Nasturtiums actually attract mosquitoes and other pests like aphids, carrot flies and squash bugs to keep them off your veggies.
For this reason, it’s recommended to use nasturtiums for companion planting in organic vegetable gardens for natural pest control.
These are only a few insect-repelling plants to consider for your organic garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowering plants or just want to keep annoying insects out of your space, these plants are the perfect place to start.
About the Author
Ryan Mandigo
Ryan Mandigo is an award-winning professional broker associate with Omni Real Estate. Originally a native of New Hampshire, his love of real estate began 30+ years ago while swinging a hammer on a framing crew. He has always had a strong passion for helping people, whether it be assisting a couple in purchasing their first home, finding a home that fits a growing family's needs, or downsizing for those with an empty nest. He strives to build strong personal and professional relationships with being a true believer in the power of positive thinking and always willing to lend a helping hand.
He is also a co-founder and board member of the Swing Fore the Kids organization. A local charity that is 100% nonprofit and their sole purpose is to help needy children and young adults within Horry County communities. He finds great satisfaction and pleasure in seeing how working hard for a great cause and raising funds can help others in need. He is also on the Board of Directors for the Waccamaw Youth Center in Conway, where their mission is to provide at-risk youth "A Place To Call Home"
When he is not working, he enjoys music, working around the home, spending time with family and friends, turning wrenches on vintage vehicles, getting some wind therapy on the Harley or chilling with their dogs.
Some quotes he lives by - "Do what you like and like what you do" - "You have to be odd to be number one" - "Dreams don't work unless you do" And one of his favorites. "Positive and enthusiastic thinking in all you do"
