9 Garden Insect Repellent Plants You Must Know to Keep Mosquitoes Away in Summer

Mosquitoes become active in summer. For those who love to grow flowers and plants, mosquitoes have become the most annoying existence. But don’t worry, today I will share some plants that can repel these little pests, which can not only decorate your garden or balcony but also help you get rid of these annoying guys!

Scented Geranium

First is the scented geranium, also known as mosquito-repellent grass. This plant is a perennial herb, meaning it lives for more than two years and continues to grow back each season. It is well-known for its ability to ward off mosquitoes thanks to the distinctive aroma it releases. This natural scent acts as a deterrent, making it a popular choice for those looking to reduce mosquito activity in their outdoor spaces.

Mosquito repellent grass likes full sunlight, but can also tolerate semi-shady environments. Simple planting methods include sowing seeds on the surface of the soil, lightly covering with a thin layer of soil, keeping the soil moist, and tender shoots that will soon grow.

Lavender

Lavender is not just known for its delightful fragrance, but it also serves as a highly effective mosquito repellent. The soothing scent of lavender has a calming effect on the nervous system and can significantly improve the quality of sleep. At the same time, this lovely plant’s aroma acts as a natural deterrent to mosquitoes, making it a practical addition to your garden.

Lavender thrives best when planted in an area with full sunlight and good air circulation. It is quite tolerant of dry conditions and can withstand periods of drought, but it does not fare well in waterlogged soil. When planting lavender, ensure that you use well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Regular watering and periodic fertilizing are essential to keep the plant healthy and promote its growth.

Mint

Mint is a popular herb known for its strong, refreshing flavor and impressive ability to repel mosquitoes. The essential oils in mint plants have a powerful aroma that masks human scents, making it harder for mosquitoes to detect and bite individuals. This makes mint a natural and effective choice for those looking to keep mosquitoes at bay in their outdoor spaces.

Mint thrives best in an environment that offers plenty of sunlight and high humidity. When planting mint, it’s important to select a location with rich, well-drained soil to support healthy growth. Additionally, keeping the soil consistently moist will help the plant flourish, ensuring it remains vigorous and effective as a natural mosquito deterrent.

Marigold

Marigold is a vibrant and colorful plant that brings a burst of beauty to any garden or indoor space. Beyond its ornamental value, marigold has a special floral fragrance that is known to effectively repel mosquitoes.

Marigold likes plenty of sunlight and a warm and humid environment, but is not cold-resistant. When planting, choose well-drained fertile soil, sow seeds and cover with thin soil, and keep it moist.

Osmanthus Fragrans

Osmanthus fragrans is an evergreen shrub known for its beautiful, fragrant leaves. The pleasant aroma it emits is not harmful to humans, but it is quite effective in repelling mosquitoes.

This shrub thrives in warm and humid environments, as it does not tolerate cold temperatures well. When planting Osmanthus fragrans, select a sunny spot to ensure it receives adequate light. It is also important to use well-drained, fertile soil to support its growth. Regular watering and fertilizing will help keep the plant healthy and vibrant.

Catnip

Catnip is not only loved by cats but is also a natural mosquito-repellent plant. Its unique fragrance can effectively repel mosquitoes. Catnip is highly adaptable and likes plenty of sunlight, but it can also tolerate semi-shade. Choose well-drained soil when planting and water it regularly.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an evergreen shrub, and the fragrance emitted by its leaves can repel mosquitoes well. It likes a warm and dry environment and is not tolerant of waterlogging. When planting, make sure that the soil is well drained and avoid overwatering.

Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has a delightful and invigorating lemon scent that enhances the atmosphere with a fresh, uplifting aroma. Beyond just adding a pleasant fragrance to your space, this plant is also highly effective as a natural mosquito repellent.

This plant thrives best in a sunny, warm, and humid environment. Its robust adaptability allows it to adjust well to varying conditions, ensuring it grows vigorously and continues to provide its aromatic benefits throughout its growing season.

Basil

Basil is much more than just a popular spice plant; it offers an added benefit with its aromatic leaves. The distinctive smell released by basil leaves is quite effective at repelling mosquitoes, making it a natural and eco-friendly option for keeping these pests at bay. Basil thrives in warm and humid conditions, which means it prefers a climate that is both sunny and moist. Additionally, basil is quite forgiving when it comes to soil quality; it doesn’t require particularly rich or specific types of soil to grow well. This makes it a versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that can be a great addition to any garden or indoor space.

Hope we can enjoy a good time in summer without mosquito harassment together! However, it should be noted that although these plants can repel mosquitoes, they cannot completely eliminate the existence of mosquitoes. While enjoying the beautiful life in the garden, we also need to take other measures to jointly create a summer garden living space without mosquito harassment.