Growing plants that act as natural insect repellents is a smart and eco-friendly way to keep pests at bay while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Here are 10 plants to consider growing this spring for their insect-repelling properties:
- Lavender: This fragrant herb is known for its calming scent, but it also repels mosquitoes, flies, and moths.
- Marigolds: These cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent that deters mosquitoes, aphids, and other pests.
- Citronella: Citronella grass contains citronella oil, which is commonly used in candles and sprays to repel mosquitoes.
- Catnip: While beloved by cats, catnip contains nepetalactone, a compound that repels mosquitoes, flies, and cockroaches.
- Rosemary: This aromatic herb is not only delicious in cooking but also repels mosquitoes and some types of beetles.
- Basil: In addition to being a staple herb in the kitchen, basil repels mosquitoes and flies.
- Peppermint: The strong scent of peppermint deters ants, spiders, and mice from entering your garden or home.
- Lemon balm: Similar to citronella, lemon balm contains citronellal, which repels mosquitoes and other insects.
- Chrysanthemums: These colorful flowers contain pyrethrin, a natural insecticide that repels mosquitoes, ants, and roaches.
- Geraniums: These vibrant flowers contain geraniol, a compound that repels mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
By incorporating these insect-repelling plants into your garden, you can create a more pleasant outdoor environment while reducing your reliance on chemical insecticides. Plus, many of these plants are easy to grow and maintain, making them a welcome addition to any garden.