Love being outdoors but sick of those annoying blood-sucking mosquitoes? Put down the sprays and nets, here are thirteen different plants you can grow that’ll help keep the mosquitoes away. Most people know about citronella, it’s found in many products that keep bugs away, but there are others that can do the job.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Mosquitoes hate the lemony scent of this plant. With some patience, you can easily grow this plant in your garden. You just have to buy stalks easily available in the market. Lemongrass prefers good drainage and full sun. However, it’s important to understand that this beautiful tropical plant does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

For some gardeners, this is a perennial. For others, it is an annual plant. Catnip is considered about 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes. However, this plant has a tendency to be quite invasive. If it’s in the garden bed, cats can and will crush on this plant. But you can keep a couple of them in hanging containers on shepherds hooks to avoid both problems.

Marigold (Tagetes spp.)

This is a sun loving annual plant. Beside mosquitoes, this one can also repel aphids. It can be an exceptional companion plant for the vegetable garden. Marigold plants are very easy to maintain. You don’t need a lot of care to keep them healthy and flourishing. Marigold is an excellent border plant that offers the simplicity to collect seeds for next year’s planting. However, the stems can be a skin irritant to some, so handle with gloves.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Rosemary oil is considered heavenly to most humans. However this shrub easily repels mosquitoes and keeps your garden looking great. This is one of the most attractive plants for herb and container gardens and does not require alot of water nor demand attention. Rosemary is also delicious, and you can use it for cooking most any meal.

Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

This perennial plant has a somewhat silvery foliage. In most zones, this plant can be easily grown in full sun. This is one of the most unique border plants. The pungent odor of this plant can keep mosquitoes at bay. Also considered a skin irritant for some, handing with gloves is the best preventative measure.

Mint (Mentha spp.)

Many different mint oils are excellent for repelling mosquitoes. Keeping a couple of pots filled with these aromatic and hardy plants in the garden is a great way to repel unwanted visitors. Mints can spread easily, and they are best cultivated in small containers because of their invasive tendencies.

Floss Flower (Ageratum houstonianum)

This is an annual plant that grows about 6-12 inches. It needs partial shade to full sun. Besides repelling mosquitoes, this plant is considered an excellent butterfly nectar plant. Repelling the biters and attracting the beauties is a perfect addition to any relaxing area of your outdoor nest.

Cadaga Tree (Eucalyptus torelliana)

As the name suggests, this is a tree. It requires full sun to grow properly and can attract wildlife including important pollinators like bees to your garden. It is also effective for repelling mosquitoes. And while it’s not hardy to our frosty winters, you may need to keep it in the back of your mind while landscaping your winter home in Palm Beach or any other tropical location.

Catmint (Nepeta faassenii)

Catmint is another perennial plant to repel mosquitoes. It’s height is just about 2-3 feet. This plant is an excellent mosquito repellent. Catmint is also a butterfly nectar plant, bringing beautiful fluttering to your outdoor spaces. And like the previously mentioned Catnip, your cats will just love it.

Citronella Grass (Cymbopogon nardus)

This is a popular perennial plant that flourishes in the USDA zones 10-12, so it is best for container gardening in our area. This plant needs partial shade to full sun. The oil from Citronella Grass is also used to produce mosquito repellent candles. The leaves can be crushed and the oils rubbed on clothing for personal use. Direct contact with skin is not recommended.

Clove Tree (Syzygium aromaticum)

This is another tree perfect at repelling mosquitoes. However, it’s not very tall. It needs partial shade to full sun. The flower buds of this tree produce spices, which are used in various dishes. It’s an excellent mosquito repellent   Although you can grow a clove tree in subtropical zones, it may not flower in cooler temperatures as it needs temperatures above 10 degrees C (50F) and consistently high humidity. You can start it as an indoor plant or in a greenhouse if you can keep the humidity high enough – indoors you could try a terrarium-style growing environment as long as the potting mix can drain well. Bringing it outside during our muggy hot summer days will ensure no bites from the buzzing blood suckers.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

This is a perennial plant to our zones. It provides nectar for butterflies. The flowers can be easily dried and kept in the garden to repel mosquitoes and other insects. It too can be used for cooking and in homeopathic relaxation techniques. The pretty purple flowers are a lovely accent to the outdoor area of any home.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is a perennial plant, and requires partial shade to full sun. The potent lemon scent keeps bugs at bay from outdoor areas. And the leaves can be used to flavor iced and hot teas. It can also be used as a substitute for lemon peel.

Adding these plants to any garden including the borders of water garden areas is a great step in naturally and effectively preventing mosquito madness from beginning in your neck of the woods. Thanks to plantcaretoday.com for sharing.

A Frog’s Dream Aquatic Services is offering this blog as a personal information source to our website visitors. Pond services are performed in Morris County New Jersey (NJ) Hunterdon County New Jersey (NJ) Somerset County (NJ) and Warren County (NJ).Waterfall ponds, Streams, and Fountains are all in our wheelhouse of talent. Explore our website for more ideas. Like our Facebook page for daily inspiration. Receive our newsletter for monthly tips and a coupon or two.