Mosquitos are pesky creatures that can turn any time enjoying your garden into an itchy nightmare. Luckily, there are a few plants that can help keep the pesky bloodsuckers away.
Eucalyptus Plants
Eucalyptus plants produce a smell that reliably repels mosquitos. To grow some in your garden, make sure to choose a planting site that gets a lot of sunlight and has well-draining soil.
Eucalyptus plants, once established, are somewhat drought-tolerant, but will do best if watered weekly.
When planting outside of the hardiness zones, USDA zones 8 to 11, it is essential to bring the plants indoors during the colder weather. Allowing the plant to be exposed to frost can damage or kill the foliage.
Basil
Often thought of as an ingredient for many delicious meals, basil has a few other great perks. One of these is a safe way to ward off mosquitos.
When growing basil, make sure the plant gets plenty of sun, well-draining soil, and regular watering.
It’s important to remember when using basil to repel mosquitos, the stronger the smell produced, the more effective the repellent will be; in other words, the more basil you plant, the more effective it will repel mosquitos.
Mint
Much like eucalyptus, the scent produced by mint plants is a great deterrent for mosquitos; especially spearmint or peppermint.
To grow this delicious-smelling plant, you must ensure the soil is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and moist. Additionally, mint will thrive in USDA zone 3-11, but make sure to check on the variety’s exact specifications as they can vary.
An added benefit to planting mint: the plants can also be used to spice up your cooking!
Marigolds
The final plant to keep mosquitos at bay is the trusty marigold. Marigold plants are known for their pest deterrent properties; plus, with their long-lasting blooms, these plants are a great addition to any budding garden.
These plants don’t require too much work to grow, making them great for new gardeners. They thrive in full sunshine and well-draining soil. When watering, make sure to allow the soil to dry a bit between watering; of course, make sure to water more in higher heat.
Once the plants establish themselves, make sure to pinch off the tops of the plants. This encourages the plants to grow bushier and encourages more blooms.
