by Erin Marissa Russell
Do n’t let a swarm of whine mosquito destroy your next barbecue — there are plenty of container plants you could grow in the garden to naturally dissuade mosquito from your property . Using container plants mean you’re able to grow plants that repel mosquito even if you just have a balcony or terrace to plant in . Better yet , keeping your plant portable means you may move them where you need them to discourage mosquitoes from the dinner party table , fire pit , swimming pool , or any area where they ’re a nuisance .
Choose your preferent plants from the list below and post their containers throughout the whole garden to keep mosquitoes at alcove in the general sphere . accord to the Environmental Protection Agency , for best results , you should also rid your property of put up water where mosquito breed and use mosquito - repellent spray or lotion that take DEET when you will be alfresco .
For maximum mosquito deterrent , you ’ll want to release the essential fossil oil contain in the leaves of these plants into the tune . There are many ways to extract these oils from the plants , but one of the easiest is simply crushing the leaves . you’re able to get the same effect by straw leaves from these plants and herbs along the pathways in your garden . When people step on the leaf , they will be crushed , exhaust the oils that repel mosquitoes into the air .
Ageratum/Floss Flowers
Ageratumis an annual , except for in USDA grow zones 10 and 11 , where it is a perennial . Plant seed indoors six to eight weeks before last icing , and transplant into containers outside when all scourge of hoarfrost has kick the bucket . Use well - drain dirt , but do n’t let it get too wry . Conoclinium coelestinum will bloom from midsummer until the first frost in the fall .
Allium
verify to choose a large enough container for growinggiant alliums , which can stretch up to around four feet gamy . Giant alliums are a hardy perennial up to USDA geographical zone four . institute bulbs early on in give or in the fall , and feed with mass of organic affair in the soil . These plants like full sun , but giant alliums can thrive in fond shade . Keep territory moist , but insure flora get plentitude of drainage .
American
Beautyberry
select a large container for Americanbeautyberry , as this plant averages three to five feet marvellous but can develop up to nine foot mellow in optimal conditions . prefer a spot that make partial refinement , and keep soil moist . American beautyberry is n’t fussy about soil eccentric . This flora gets so prominent because it ’s really a bush .
Basil
In plus to classicbasil , varieties said to repel mosquito admit cinnamon basil , lemon basil , lime basil , Thai basil , and sacred basil . flora in a container that gets mountain of drain , using soil amended with compost . take a fix that gets six to eight hours of full sun per day . Sow seeds a quarter of an column inch deep after night temperature are n’t dropping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit . Water regularly , not allow soil to dry out .
Bee Balm/Horsemint/Rose-Scented
Monarda/Wild Bergamot
Pollinators lovebee balm , also known as horsemint , rosiness - scented monarda , or wild bergamot . container are the way to go when set bee balm , as it can be encroaching . This plant does not stomach drouth easily , and though it choose full sun , in red-hot climates it can do well in partial shade . Bee balm is n’t picky about grease type . Plant in leaping two weeks before last hoarfrost or , for a summer time of year , plant two months before wintertime ’s first frost .
Catmint
Catmintis a perennial that flourishes in hot atmospheric condition and stomach drouth well . It ’s brave in USDA zones three through seven . Sow seeds into container alfresco after the last frost of winter , or start them indoors four to six weeks earlier . It do best in full Dominicus , but in climates where the weather condition is very hot , will tolerate good afternoon wraith . Catmint is n’t picky about soil nutritionally but must get quite a little of drainage .
Catnip
Catnipis a perennial that ’s hardy to drought and does well in USDA zones three through nine . It spreads so easily that some gardeners call it invasive . It prefers full sun to partial refinement and can produce in any ground type , but catmint do best in slightly alkaline , moderately rich loamy dirt . Be certain to plant catnip in a container that supply plenty of drainage .
Chives
Chivesare a favorite in container gardens , and in addition to keep open mosquitoes at bay , you may use this tasty herb in the kitchen . Plant this perennial from seed half and column inch to an in deeply in early spring , sowing into container alfresco after the last frost or get down them inside six workweek before the last hoarfrost . Use rich , ameliorate soil that ’s kept evenly moist , and position containers in an area that gets full Lord’s Day to calorie-free shade .
Citronella Grass/Mosquito Plant
This fragrant grass is the power behind citronella candles . To plantcitronellain your own garden , select eight- to 12 - inch terra cotta pots that have drainage hollow , and fill them with pot soil for succulents or cacti . Plant citronella grass outside after the last fountain frost , or start indoors and move out of doors when the weather is warmer . you may also make a potting soil admixture of adequate role loam , peat moss or compost , and perlite or sand . Keep soil moist while the citronella industrial plant are settling in to their new home , then you only want to irrigate them when the soil is teetotal at one and a one-half inches deep .
Chrysanthemum
The chrysanthemum , ormum , is an well-fixed - maintenance perennial that is n’t picky about soil type — but it does flourish when feed generously with compost . Chrysanthemums do n’t tolerate moisture well , so be certain the container you choose offer lot of drainage . For best results , choose a dapple for chrysanthemum where they ’ll get at least six to eight hours of sun each sidereal day . That say , they can be placed in partial subtlety , but you wo n’t see as many blush . Optimally , industrial plant chrysanthemums in the saltation so they can grow strong root before the gloaming unfolding season .
Feverfew
To growfeverfewfrom seeds , start them indoors in a cum tray , using seed starter mix that extend mint of drainage , in early spring . dot the seed on the surface of the dirt , then gently press them down . Cover the seeded player tray with plastic , or space inside of a formative traveling bag , then target in a gay location . To plant seeds outdoors , wait until all danger of Robert Frost has passed and temperatures get to 60 degrees Fahrenheit . Keep soil evenly moist , and plants will sprout within a week or two . Feverfew thrives in positioning that get full or fond sun , and it works peachy in container . Any dirt type except for gravid grease rich in clay will do . Either use a soil amended with organic matter or fertilize monthly . For best resolution , do not allow for stain to get completely teetotal between watering , but take care not to overwater .
Garlic
Position your containers ofgarlicin a spot that let full sun , and use ample soil amended with flock of constitutional material . take a container that offer up good drainage . Garlic prefers sandy , clay loam soil , but as long as it contract the nutrients it needs , you could develop it in any filth type . Fall planting is just , starting seed four to six weeks before the flat coat stop dead , but you could also plant in spring , as early as soil is feasible .
Geranium
Geraniumsare an yearbook for gardeners in most of the U.S. and a perennial for those in USDA growing zone 10 and 11 . Seeds are slow to startle , so you ’ll probably need to choose a plant from the nursery . opt a lovesome , sunny fix to come out your geranium container in . If your area sees red-hot temperatures , put up plants with some good afternoon shade . Fill pots with soil mixed with several handfuls of peat moss , and feast with a standard fertilizer weekly . check that container provide plenty of drainage . Note that The American Botanical Council has unloose a statement reporting that citronella geranium , Pelargonium citrosum , has been show unable in protecting against the Aedes aegypti mosquito .
Lantana
Lantanais an yearbook that fly high when placed in full sunlight and , once well established , is drought hardy . In USDA growing zone 10 and 11 , it can be grown as a perennial . Lantana does best when grown from plants or cuttings , so skip starting from seed on this plant . water system thoroughly once a week ( more often for untried plant ) , and choose containers that offer slews of drainage .
Lavender
Lavenderis well planted in the free fall ( except in cold climates , where it ’s plant in spring ) . This industrial plant does its best in sandlike loam , in container with sight of drainage . Prune plants start shortly after they ’re institute , trimming off flower stem and the top bud for the first yr or two . Then , each year you should contract back about a third of the gray leaf stanch . Quality potting soil should offer all the nutrients lavender needs , so do n’t worry about fertilise these plant .
Lemon Balm
gardener in USDA growing zones 4a through 5b can cultivatelemon balmto repel mosquito from their garden . Use containers filled with any character of soil that provide nutrients and plenty of constitutional matter , and verify deal have drainage holes . Lemon balm grow best in spots with full sun , but plants can outlive in full sun to partial shade , especially in dry mood . Use soil that includes plenty of organic subject , and trim plant life on a regular basis for best results .
Lemongrass
Gardeners in tender areas can uselemongrassto keep mosquitoes at bay . If it gets insensate in your area , simply move your containers of lemon grass indoors over the wintertime . body of water frequently in spring and summer , surmount hydration down during cool months . Provide plants with a nitrogen - copious soil , plenty of sunshine , and drainage for successful planting .
Lemon Verbena
When well cared for , lemon verbenaplants can stretch up to 15 foot tall in USDA growing zone eight to 11 . If starting from cum , begin indoors several weeks before last frost . habituate seed trays filled with timber pot stain amended with peat moss or compost . top seeds lightly , water well , and lemon verbena plant can be rehomed into their containers outdoors once each industrial plant has at least one solidifying of leaf . Choose a spot where plant will get six to eight hours of sunlight per day , and be measured not to overwater . In improver to lemon verbena , classic vervain is a mosquito - deterring alternative .
Marigold
Marigoldsrepel all variety of pestilence , and many gardener plant them as a first line of defense . In addition to the classical African or French variety , test Mexican mint candy marigold , which also repel mosquitoes . Plant seminal fluid in containers out of doors after last frost , or begin indoors six to eight workweek to begin with . apply a seed - begin tray , and barely address seeds with potting filth . Sprinkle soil softly to cover seed , and keep moist in a warm spotlight . They can be moved outdoors after the last frost . Select a cheery localisation . Marigolds prosper in a form of soil type , as long as proper drain is provide . fecundate with a dilute balanced solution every three weeks .
Nodding Onion
nod onionis an option for gardeners in USDA mature zone four through eight . It does safe in spot that get full sunlight and when provided with well - enfeeble grime that ’s kept on the dry side . That said , the various nodding Allium cepa is flexible enough to expand in a variety of condition . Choose from starting seeds indoors in spring , incite containers outside when all danger of frost has passed , or growing from plugs .
Oregano
Oreganois an easy - to - get perennial that you’re able to use in the kitchen . flora seeds between February and May , or after the last rime in your area . Provide with lineal sunshine and well - drained soil . To set about seeds in the winter , cut back on sunlight . you could get aside with lachrymation oregano infrequently , except for young seedlings started in the wintertime .
Pennyroyal
Pennyroyalrepels fleas as well as mosquito , so it ’s a win - winnings for gardeners who are also pet owner . It ’s hardy in USDA uprise zona six through nine . pick out container with drain holes to keep stain from getting waterlogged , and keep plants moist . Pennyroyal prefers cheery locations but will do all flop if it amaze a little refinement .
Peppermint
Containers are perfect formint plants , because they can take over the garden when planted in the ground . meet pots with loose , fertile soil , and billet in either sunny or suspect emplacement . To start from seed , sow in containers outside after all risk of frost has passed . Keep moist until seeded player sprout .
Pineappleweed
Pineappleweedisn’t too choosy about growing circumstance . However , it prefer a sandy loam stain . Its flowers , in addition to repelling mosquitoes , put off a aroma reminiscent of ananas when crushed .
Sage
Sageis an option as a mosquito deterrent for gardeners in USDA spring up zones four through 11 . filling container with a copious soil miscellany , set them in a cheery emplacement , and H2O regularly . habituate liquid plant food to fertilize once the seedlings have get hold of four inches tall . Pinch off the blue flowers that sage develop after its first year to keep leaves growing to their fullest potential .
Stone Root
When plantingstone root , opt container that allow for way to grow , as plants can reach up to four understructure improbable . This perennial bloom in August . Stone root prefer arenaceous or loamy grease preserve moist to wet . It can grow in sun to partial shade .
Sweet Fern
Gardeners in USDA growing zones two through five can usesweet fernto send mosquitoes pack . Sweet fern does not thrive in clay soils , preferring sand . Choose a positioning that offers either full Dominicus or mixed sun and shade . This plant is tolerant of drouth and does n’t often need lacrimation once established .
Tansy
Tansycan be invading , so containers are the way to go for this prolific perennial herbaceous plant . Situate plants in a spot that gets at least six hour of Dominicus each day . Tansy is n’t picky about the soil type it ’s planted in . Once plants are established , they ’re tolerant of drought . Cut works back to just a few inch in former springiness to promote bushier growth .
Thyme
Gardeners can growthymefor a perennial that does double duty , repelling mosquitoes in the garden and spice up up saucer in the kitchen . It ’s hardy in USDA growing zone four through eight . Thyme prefers well - draining , sandy or gritty soil that ’s maintain dry . It flourishes in locations with full sun but will arise as long as it beat at least six hours of sunlight per 24-hour interval .
Tarragon
In addition to deter mosquito , tarragoncan be used to flavor home - cook repast . Situate container where tarragon grow in partly sunny spots that put up shade during the good afternoon . Tarragon thrives in productive , loamy soils that carry moisture in , but be certain containers offer plenty of drainage . rent soil almost dry out out between waterings , and take maintenance not to overwater . This perennial herb is hardy in USDA farm zones 4a through 8b .
Wormwood
The hardywormwood plantflourishes in USDA growing geographical zone four through nine . select a sunny location , and fill containers with ground that drain quickly . The good land for grow wormwood is fertile and robust in lime . Though wormwood is broad of drought , gardeners will see best termination when it ’s water occasionally . For the first year , give industrial plant an in of water every two or three days . After that , you may scale back to every two or three weeks , hop-skip hydration entirely during showery weather .
look for even more plants that help oneself get rid of mosquitoes ? These tree are n’t optimal for container garden , but they will do their part to repel the vexatious buggers :
Once you ’ve begin grow a few of your favorite plants from this leaning , you ’ll have done your part to protect your yard against mosquitoes . That means the garden will become a more prosperous place for you and your family to hang out . In plus , you ’ll be able to host outcome in the height of mosquito time of year without spraying guests down with chemical microbe sprays or trust on ill-smelling citronella flannel mullein — create yours the most coveted yard on the block .
Want to learn more about container plants to repel mosquitoes?
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