4 Insect Repellent Plants You’ll Want To Plant This Summer

As the warm weather of summer approaches, mosquitos and other aggravating bugs can damper you and your family’s outdoor activities. Luckily, there’s a pretty easy way to help keep them away from you. Insect-repellent plants are a great natural way to repel bothersome bugs and add a touch of nature to your yard spaces.

In this short post, we’ll highlight four of the best insect-repellent plants you can try out this summer. We’ve hand-picked these plants for their natural bug-repelling properties, as well as their looks and scent. Keep reading if you’re ready to learn more about each of them!

1. Citronella Geraniums

Citronella geraniums are an attractive plant with fragrant leaves and clusters of pink flowers. They are perennial plants, meaning they can survive through multiple growing seasons and grow best in warm climates. The main benefit of citronella geraniums is that they naturally repel flying insects such as flies and mosquitoes. Planting them in your garden or outdoor space will help keep these pests away while adding a pop of color to your landscape.

Plant citronella geraniums in well-draining soil that will receive full sunlight. Space them about 12-18 inches apart and water them regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy.

2. Lemongrass

Lemongrass is an aromatic grass that produces a strong citrus scent when crushed or bruised. It’s a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and a favorite choice among gardeners looking to repel insects naturally. Lemongrass can repel mosquitoes and other flying insects with its strong, pungent smell. Its tall presence also adds an attractive vertical element to your garden and plenty of fragrance.

Plant lemongrass in nutrient-rich soil with plenty of drainages, preferably in a sunny location (it prefers full sun exposure). To ensure proper growth, water regularly and fertilize once a month during the growing season, and water the fertilizer into the soil after application.

3. Peppermint

Peppermint is a popular herb thanks to its strong minty aroma and flavor, making it a staple ingredient in culinary dishes and beverages. It also makes an excellent insect repellent! Not only does peppermint protect your plants from damaging bugs, but it also helps deter small rodents, such as mice and rats, from eating your crops due to its strong odor. Planting dense stands of peppermint will create an effective barrier against unwanted pests while adding texture and contrast to your landscape design at the same time.

For optimal growth, plant peppermint in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that receives sunlight daily (at least 5-6 hours daily). Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy or waterlogged.

4. Marigolds

Marigolds are bright and cheerful flowers with vibrant colors and fragrant scents, which range from sweet to slightly spicy depending on the variety. They make excellent companion plants because they can protect many plants from insect pests. Marigolds release substances into the air called terpenoids, which act as natural insect repellents by masking the scent of neighboring plants (which might be more appealing to pests). Planting these flowers around your garden beds can help keep many unwanted insects away without using chemical sprays or other methods.

Plant marigolds in well-draining soil that receives full sunlight daily (3-5 hours) for optimal growth and blooming potential throughout the summer months. When watering, ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never soggy as these flowers can quickly succumb to root rot if overly saturated with water at any given time.

Conclusion

Insects can be pesky and annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your summer fun! With the right insect-repellent plants, you can keep them away and enjoy your days and nights without the worry of bug bites or damage to your crops. From citronella geraniums to peppermint, there are plenty of plants to enhance your outdoor space. Which one will you try?