Summers in Texas are full of sunshine, fun in the water…and mosquitoes. Nothing puts a damper on a pool-side barbeque like a bunch of mosquitoes. Well, here is a list of garden plants that will help your yard stay mosquito free.
- Citronella
Citronella is the most common ingredient used in chemical mosquito repellents, and you are probably familiar with it in citronella candles or torches. This perennial grass grows about 5 to 6 feet tall, and be sure to find authentic citronella plants- Cybopogon nardus or Citronella winterianus.
- Horsemint
Another perennial plant, Horsemint will repel mosquitos with the odor it emits, just like the Citronella plant does. This plant grows quickly to a width and height of two to three feet, and it is shade-tolerant and drought-tolerant.
- Marigolds
Marigolds are a sturdy annual plant that contain Pyrethrum, a compound used in some mosquito repellents. Not only are these plants helpful, but they are a colorful addition to your yard. Make sure to put them in good sunlight and healthy soil!
- Ageratum
Agertatum secrets coumarin, another element that makes up mosquito repellents. This annual plant can grow anywhere from 8 to 18” and can easily be grown in harsh areas. These plants are mostly recognized as blue, but it also has varieties of purple, pink or white.
- Catnip
This perennial herb has incredible mosquito repellent properties, and professional researches have said it works ten times better than DEET, which is found in almost all commercial repellents. Nepeta cateria is a very easy plant to grow!
