Looking for a few simple and effective natural ways to keep mosquitoes away from your patio, deck and outdoor entertaining spaces?
Having mosquitoes ruin your enjoyable moments outdoors can be a real pain – literally! But, before you reach for questionable chemical-based repellents and insecticides, consider going for something more natural, safe and practical.
It really is possible to enjoy your patio without the nuisance of mosquitoes, all without having to use offensive sprays, bug bombs or annoying bug zappers. And believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to accomplish that is by simply growing a few plants that mosquitoes detest right near the outdoor spaces you enjoy most.
Not only do the plants we feature in today’s article possess natural mosquito-repelling properties, they also happen to be beautiful and simple to grow and maintain. Even better, they can easily grow in pots and containers wherever you need them for protection.
With that in mind, here is a look at some of the best mosquito repelling plants around. Not only will they serve as the perfect natural repellent to manage mosquitos, they will brighten up your patio like never before!
How To Keep Mosquitoes Away – 7 Great Mosquito Repelling Plants To Grow On Or Near Your Patio!
#1 Lavender
Lavender not only adds a beautiful, pleasant fragrance for humans to enjoy, but it is also wonderful for clearing the area of mosquitoes wherever it grows. Mosquitoes detest the strong lavender scent and will steer clear of the plant at all costs.
Lavender can grow well in pots, containers and directly in flowerbeds and gardens. For thriving lavender plants, choose well-draining soil and ensure they bask in sunlight for at least 6 hours each day. Prune back plants after each flush of blooms to help the plant re-bloom all summer long.
Not only is lavender a perennial that will come back every year, it also can protect you and your plants from far more than just mosquitoes. The gorgeous perennial plant is also great for keeping gnats, flies, fleas and ticks at bay as well! See our article: Why You Should Be Growing Lavender – The Ultimate Perennial Plant!
#2 Marigolds
Marigolds, like lavender, have an amazing ability to ward off a long list of insects – and they can be especially effective against mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes detest the pungent odor of both marigold blooms and foliage. And where ever marigolds grow, mosquitoes will stay far away. Marigolds grow easily from seed or transplants in pots and containers making them ideal for sitting around your patio or deck.
Many gardeners also sow marigold seeds heavily on the borders of their vegetable garden. Its blooms attract pollinators by the thousands, all while allowing gardeners to work their space without the worry of mosquitoes attacking them in the least.
Marigolds are budget friendly as well. Not only can you sow them directly from seed eliminating the need for costly transplants, you can easily save seeds from year to year. Marigolds need a sunny location to grow best. Select an area that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight for best results.
#3 Chrysanthemums (Mums)
Mums just aren’t for adding big fall color to your porch, patio or deck, they are also perfect for keeping mosquitoes away!
Although the beautiful flowers of mums have a vivid array of colors that can easily get your attention, they also contain a natural mosquito repellent that is found in many over-the-counter mosquito repelling products. And does it ever work to stop mosquitoes!
Mums are easy to plant in pots and place right around your patio. As a perennial, they can also be saved from year to year to provide long term protection. They are great in the fall for adding color and protection when many other plants begin to fade.
Mums should be grown in pots with good drainage. They do not perform well in overly wet soil and can often rot off if the soil is overly saturated. Be sure to provide them with plenty of sunlight too. Mums will perform best if they can grow in areas that get at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day.
#4 Catnip
It’s true! The same plant that drives our feline friends wild is also a powerful and natural repellent for mosquitoes. And all thanks to a simple natural compound found in the plant. In fact, the same compound cats love is the same one that makes mosquitoes lose interest in pestering you and your guests.
Catnip can be grown from existing transplants or directly from seed. The plant can often be found year round in nurseries and garden centers. Its smaller stature makes it wonderful for potting up and placing as a centerpiece on outdoor tables.
The perennial does not require much maintenance to come back year after year. It will grow best with at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight, but can survive partially shaded areas.
#5 Oregano
Oregano has long been known to protect vegetable plants growing in the garden from all kinds of insects. The plant is offensive to everything from aphids and whiteflies to the dreaded cabbage moth. But it is especially offensive to mosquitoes!
Oregano’s slow growth habit makes it perfect for growing in pots on patios and porches. It requires little in the way of additional nutrients and is fairly drought proof as well. The only real requirement is to locate the plant where it can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight each day.
Of course, oregano has many uses in the kitchen as well, doubling its uses around the home! The perennial comes back strong year after year and is easy to divide to create additional potted plants for free.
#6 Rosemary
Rosemary’s aromatic leaves make it a must-have herb in the kitchen. But, it also doubles as an amazing mosquito repellent when grown near outdoor entertaining spaces. Like many of the other plants featured today, rosemary performs best in well-draining soil and sunlight.
Whether growing in pots or directly in flowerbeds, regular pruning will not only enhance its mosquito-repelling properties – but also provide you with even more fresh herbs for cooking.
#7 Basil
Lat but not least on our list of mosquito repelling plants is basil. Basil is yet another helpful mosquito deterring plant that also doubles as a delicious herb in the kitchen. Even better, it grow just as well in pots and containers as in a traditional garden space.
Not only is this annual herb good at keeping mosquitoes away, it also is excellent for keeping flies at bay too. And who doesn’t want their patio and entertaining areas to be free of flies!
There really are so many great benefits to using plants instead of chemicals to repel mosquitoes. And as you can see from above, many of the plants have advantages that extend beyond simple bug control. Here is to enjoying your patio without the nuisance of mosquitoes, all while enjoying the beauty and flavor that growing plants can bring!
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