10 Plants That Repel Mosquitoes – Easy to Grow Too

You can even use some of them in the kitchen!

Maybe it’s just me but I feel like mosquitoes get more abundant and mightier each year.

Unfortunately, my favourite time of day, a warm summer evening, also happens to be prime time for mosquitoes.  So this year I’ve decided that I’ll plant some “strategic” pots on my front porch and back deck to help make the outdoors less pesky and more enjoyable.

what plants repel mosquitoes

I’ve been doing some research and have compiled a list of 10 plants that help to repel mosquitoes.  For this list, I’ve selected only those plants that you can either use in your kitchen or that just look pretty in pots or gardens.  So it’s like a win-win-win!

You’ll notice that the common feature here is that these plants all have distinct and strong scents.

If you’re looking to keep the mosquitoes away, here’s a shopping list that you can take along on your next greenhouse visit if you’re looking for a natural way to repel mosquitoes at home this summer.

What Plants Repel Mosquitoes?  These 10 Do!

Plants That Repel Mosquitoes That You Can Cook With

#1 – Rosemary

Annual

Preferences:
Sun
Well-drained soil

rosemary
Rosemary

I had to make this number 1 on my list because I love rosemary!  What is better than a delicious herb grown in a little pot on your deck (or a whole bunch in your garden) that also repels pesky mosquitoes?  I have found that it is quite easy to grow.  Just be sure that your pot drains.  If not, you’ll end up with a soggy mess after a big rain and your rosemary won’t like that.

#2 – Basil

Annual

Preferences:
Sun
Moist soil

basil
Basil

I tend to grow Basil in a large pot mixed in with other herbs.  I’ve never been too picky about which herb I plant beside another and so far, so good!  More master gardeners may do so but I’m more of a simplicity gardener. 🙂

#3 – Mint

Perennial

Preferences:
Partial sun/shade
Moist soil

mint
Mint

Mint spreads so I prefer to grow this in a pot.  I love its fresh scent but thankfully the mosquitoes do not!  

Read below for a DIY insect repellent spray that I mix up each year and spray around the decks and house to keep wasps and mosquitoes away.  Best of all, it also has a lovely, natural scent! 

#4 – Sage

Perennial (although in some climates it may grow as an annual)

Preferences:
Full sun
Well-drained soil

sage
Sage

Like rosemary, sage doesn’t like to sit in soggy soil so be sure your pot drains well.  It is another hardy herb that is quite easy to grow, regardless of whether your thumb is green or not.  A great suggestion from Country Living is to throw some in your campfire to keep the mosquitoes away while you are roasting marshmallows!

#5 – Garlic

Perennial (but often planted in the fall as an annual)

Preferences:
Fertile soil

garlic
Garlic

I haven’t planted this before but am intrigued by what I have read about the process (and I love garlic!).  If you are looking to grow your own, I found How to Plant Garlic by Gardener’s Supply Company an easy to read and helpful article.  I may just be adding plant garlic to my fall bucket list.

#6 – Lemon Balm

Perennial

Preferences:
Partial shade
Moist soil

lemon balm
Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has a citrusy scent that will make your deck smell lovely and help to keep the mosquitoes away.  It spreads quite easily, so like mint, it’s best to grow it in a pot rather than adding it to your garden.  Crush a few leaves and have them nearby to really release the scent!

Other Plants That Repel Mosquitoes That Look Pretty

#7 – Lavender

Perennial

Preferences:
Full sun
Dry soil

lavender plant
Lavender

I find these to be very foolproof and easy to grow!  The scent is strong and lovely to us yet mosquitoes will be turned away.  Not only is the smell of lavender known to be relaxing, the flowers are a soft purple colour that look great in almost any garden.  Perfect!

#8 – Marigolds

Annual

Preferences:
Allow soil to dry before watering
Pinch off old blooms to encourage more to grow.

marigolds
Marigolds

I have planted a few marigolds throughout my vegetable garden in the past to help keep insects away.  They are bright, colourful and super simple to grow.  They have grown best in my back garden that is well-drained and sits in full sun.

#9 – Citronella

Annual

Preferences:
Afternoon shade
Drought resistant

citronella
Citronella

The strong scent of citronella is unmistakable and reminds me of backyard parties in summer as citronella candles are a common means of keeping mosquitoes away.  The oil inside the leaves is what repels the mosquitoes so crushing them and having them nearby or rubbing them on your skin may help prevent itchy bites.

#10 – Floss Flower

Annual

Preferences:
Partial sun
Well-draining but moist soil

floss flower
Floss Flower

I love the pretty purple colour of the small flowers on this plant.  They would look cute in pots and gardens alike. 

DIY Insect Repellent Spray

For a few years I felt like we were overrun with mosquitoes, wasps and hornets.  We live in the country so perhaps that’s part of the game but it definitely doesn’t keep things very kid-friendly (or mom-friendly either)!  So I did a little investigating and made a super simple bug spray that I now use in early spring while wasps are out hunting for places to build nests, and throughout the spring and summer on occasions when we want to enjoy the outdoors with friends and family.

In spring you’ll find me spraying it around the cracks and crevices of the house and inside the pool house.  Wasps absolutely love to build nests in there!  And anytime we are planning to eat outside or have friends or family over, I do a walk around and just have a little spray fest wherever we may be sitting, setting out food, etc.

I love it because it seems to do the trick, it’s natural and the smell is sooo fresh and lovely.

Ingredients:

Spray bottle (dollar store)
Water (approx. 3 cups)
Peppermint essential oil (10-15 drops)
Eucalyptus essential oil  (10-15 drops)
Dish soap (a small squirt)

Directions:

Fill the spray bottle with water, add the essential oils (feel free to use less… I just like to go heavier on the oils) and dish soap, and give it a little shake.  Super simple.

If you’re wondering about the purpose of the dish soap, it’s because it gives it a little stick and will help the scent last a little longer.

list of plants that repel mosquitoes
Save for later! 🙂

Wishing everyone happy plant shopping, potting and warm summer evenings on your deck! KJ 🙂


References

These 13 Plants Really Repel Mosquitoes, M. Ullman, www.bobvila.com

12 Plants and Herbs That Naturally Repel Mosquitoes, C. Michel, www.countryliving.com

Plants that Repel Mosquitoes and Other Insects, R. Sweetzer, www.almanac.com

How to Plant Garlic, www.gardeners.com

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