Looking for an all-natural away to repel insects?
Then growing a few herbs in your garden patio or porch just might be the answer.
Nothing can spoil a beautiful day or an evening outdoors like a few pesky mosquitoes.
Or for that matter, flies, gnats and even ticks!
But believe it or not, many herbs have incredible built-in pest repelling qualities that help keep insects at bay.
Even better, herbs are easy to grow from seed in pots, containers, or right in the landscape.
And in today’s gardening article – we highlight six of the best! We have included seed links with each herb listed as well.
6 Great Herbs To Grow That Help To Repel Insects
#1 Rosemary
Rosemary is a wonderfully fragrant herb that works extremely well in repelling ticks, mosquitoes, and flies.
Rosemary can be grown in the landscape as a perennial. Or, grown in pots that can be brought inside during the winter months.
A few planted pots on the patio or porch are the perfect remedy to keep those pesky flies and mosquitoes away.
Rosemary can also be dried and hung in a small bouquet in the kitchen for the same effect.
Planted as a perennial in the landscape, it can help keep tick populations searching for other space too. Seed Link : Rosemary Seed
#2 Basil
Basil is not a just an incredible culinary herb. It is also one of the best all-natural fly and mosquito repellents around.
Grown in small containers or pot, it’s fragrant leaves and blooms are despised by flies.
Outdoors, small potted plants make the perfect centerpiece for summer outdoor eating spaces.
Basil is also wonderful to plant in the garden.
It is well-known to protect growing tomatoes from invading pests. And to boot, when grown nearby, it is said to improve their flavor!
#3 Lemon Balm
Looking for an all-natural pest repellent for your skin. Then lemon balm is the answer.
Lemon balm is a perennial plant that is a member of the mint family. It grows well from seed.
The leaves of lemon balm can be crushed and then rubbed on arms and legs to keep mosquitoes away.
Simply cut back each fall and the plant will respond with new growth. It also can be grown easily in pots and containers.
#4 Lavender
Lavender is perfect for repelling moths, mosquitoes and fleas.
When grown at the edge of gardens and flowerbeds, it provides a living pest barrier.
In addition, leaves can also be soaked in water to create an all-natural bug repellent.
To make, crush or blend the leaves in a container of water. Next, simply let the mixture steep overnight.
Then strain and pour into a pump bottle and you are ready to go!
It can be sprayed on arms and legs to help keep mosquitoes away. Seed Link : Lavender Seed
#5 Catnip
Catnip has always been known to attract cats. But is also excellent at repelling mosquitoes.
The leaves of catnip can be crushed and steeped in water for 10 to 20 minutes. It creates a very powerful mosquito repellent.
Of course, cats may find you a bit more attractive in the process!
Catnip is a perennial that can be grown easily in the landscape. It also grows well in pots and containers. Seed Link : Catnip Seed
#6 Peppermint
Peppermint serves a dual purpose when it comes to insect control.
Not only does it help to repel insects, it also relieves itching and burning skin from bug bites.
Simply crush a few leaves of peppermint and rub on bites. It will instantly soothe the skin from burning and itching.
Although a perennial, mint should be grown in containers.
The roots are extremely aggressive. Potting is an excellent way to keep the plant from overtaking bed space. Seed Link : Peppermint Seed
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