After these cold winter days, I’ve been looking forward to spending time outdoors in warmer weather, have you? Then I remembered…. mosquitoes!!!!!! I don’t know about you, but mosquitoes love me. So… I decided that since I like to plant in containers, why not do a little research and choose plants that repel mosquitoes and other insects? Seems like a win-win…….. beautiful container garden and natural bug-repellant!
Table of Contents
Plants That Repel Insects
Below You can find a list of plants that have bug-repelling properties and thrive well in containers. Pinch a few leaves of your plants to release the essential oils so you get the best effects.
Chrysanthemum
- Blooms contain pyrethrum which is toxic to insects’ nervous systems.
- They like full sun but in warm climates they appreciate afternoon shade.
- Well drained soil and plenty of water will help them thrive.
- They come in a huge variety of colors
- Chrysanthemums will grow in zones 5 – 9
Lavender
- Repels mosquitoes and flies
- Prefers full sun and well drained soil
- Grows 1 to 3 feet tall
- Produces small blue-violet flowers on spikes with blue-green needle like folage
- Grows best in zones 5 – 9
Lemon Balm
- Repels mosquitoes with its lemony scent
- Grows best in slightly moist soil
- Can thrive in sun and can tolerate some shade.
- A perennial in the mint family
- Grows best in zones 4 – 9
Marigolds
- Repel at least 9 types of insects including mosquitoes
- They thrive in full sun and well drained soil
- Colorful blooms of orange, yellow, red, white and gold
- Blooms all summer long
- An annual that thrives in zones 2 – 11
Basil
- Repels flies, mosquitoes as well as other insects
- Thrives in 6 – 8 hours of sun per day
- Likes well drained soil and plenty of water
- Typically grows 12 – 24 inches tall
- Grows best in zones 4 – 10
Rosemary
- Contains several different essential oils that repel mosquitoes, flies and aphids
- Its needle-like leaves add a nice texture to a container garden
- Thrives in well drained soil and 6 – 8 hours of sun per day
- When planted in containers it needs plenty of water
- Grows best in zones 7 – 10
Lemon Thyme
- Has a nice citrus scent and is believed to be more effective than other thyme varieties at repelling mosquitoes
- A small compact flowering evergreen
- Thyme likes full sun and well-drained soil.
- Low-maintenance plant when it comes to watering. Prefers dry conditions
- Grows best in zones 5 – 9.
Mint
- Believed to repel mosquitoes, flies, spider mites and several other insects.
- Produce pink, white or purple flowers
- Like full sun, well drained soil and lots of water
- Usually grow between 12” – 24” tall
- Will grow in zones 3 – 11
Lemon Grass
- Lemony scent repels mosquitoes, gnats, house flies, spiders and several other insets.
- Grows best in hot climates with full sun with good moisture
- In zones 10 and 11 it will grow as a perennial
- In zones 8 and 9 it will die down in winter and come back in spring
- In zones 7 and below grows as an annual unless it’s brought inside in the winter
Know Your Planting Zone
There are several factors to consider when you’re choosing plants for your container garden. Plants all have specific requirements like the amounts of sunlight, water, and temperature that help them grow successfully. Here in the United States, the USDA has created a plant hardiness zone map. The map divides the country into 13 zones that are based on the average minimum winter temperatures. You can find your zone on the map below.
Getting Your Container Ready
When you’re ready to assemble your bug-repelling container garden, it’s important to use a container with enough drainage for your plants.
Be sure to use a high-quality potting mix. There is a distinct difference between potting soil and garden soil.
Potting Soil:
- Also known as potting mix, it is specifically designed for growing plants in containers such as pots, hanging baskets, or window boxes.
- Composition: Potting soil is a blend of materials like sphagnum moss, bark, perlite, vermiculite, compost, or coir. It does not necessarily contain actual soil.
- Purpose: It provides an ideal environment for potted plants by offering good drainage, aeration, and moisture retention.
- Sterile: Potting soil is often sterile to prevent the introduction of pests or diseases.
- Lightweight: Its lightweight nature makes it suitable for containers, allowing you to move plants around without strain.
Garden Soil:
- Garden soil, on the other hand, is topsoil enriched with compost and other organic matter.
- Composition: It consists of natural topsoil or sand blended with relatively inexpensive, bulky organic materials. These may include composted bark, used mushroom compost, or composted cow or chicken manure.
- Purpose: Garden soil is used in garden beds and mixed with native soil. It improves water retention in sandy soils and enhances root development in heavy clay soils.
- Not Sterile: Unlike potting soil, garden soil is not sterile and may contain beneficial microorganisms.
- Heavier Texture: It has a heavier texture compared to potting soil.
Choosing Your Plants
When you’re ready to choose your plants, here are a few things to think about:
- Be sure to consider the mature size of the plants you choose.
- Think about mixing plants with different textures.
- Consider the color combination.
- The way each plant grows is important too. Do they stand tall, spread out or do they cascade over the side of your container.
Now it’s time to add a little drama to your patio or front porch. A container garden is a perfect opportunity. And choosing insect-repelling plants is definitly a bonus, so this spring why not give it a try! Happy gardening!