Packed with essential oils, they are used for their repellent qualities, but are they really effective in the garden?

The mosquito sees us from afar thanks to its sense of smell. It first perceives the carbon dioxide we emit when we breathe or sweat, then body odors, breath odors, and certain hormones. By disturbing this formidable instinct, we could go unnoticed… This is the goal of repellent products based on plant essential oils.

What plants to repel mosquitoes?

The most well-known is lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), an herb used in Asian cuisine, whose lemony aroma is found in lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is easier to grow here because it is cold hardy. As a defense, barricade your house or balcony with these plants!

Pink geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) thrives in pots in the sun, and basil will find its place in the kitchen window. Plant mint in the shade and lavender, thyme, and rosemary around the patio. Keep in mind, however, that the smell is only expressed by wrinkling the foliage and then spreading it. You’d have to crumple them up long and all night to discourage bloodthirsty mosquitoes! A mosquito net is probably safer, but at least you’ll have a fragrant garden and useful plants in the kitchen, for herbal teas and potpourri.

Other Repellent Plants

Remove excess fruit if necessary. Harvest cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and salads. Cover the containers with hay, straw, RCW… Empty the saucers under the pots to prevent the proliferation of mosquito larvae. Fertilize flowering plants biweekly. Fertilize raspberries and currants. Check the health of dwarf fruit trees.

Strong Aromas: Three Plants for All Situations

1- The versatile spearmint is very aromatic. Crush the leaves to extract all their juice and rub it over the bites.

2- Madagascar citronella should be grown in pots so that it can be sheltered in winter. In summer, water it regularly.

3- The pelargonium ‘Mosquitaway’, very floriferous, has fragrant foliage: a clump is effective against mosquitoes!

3 Tips for the Best Plants

Protective Banana

Bury a banana peel cut into small pieces at the foot of your plants to take advantage of the enzymatic and antifungal properties of the skin of this fruit.

Vitamin Risks

Water your plants with cooled cooking water (preferably unsalted) to give them a boost of vitamins and minerals that will help them grow and stay green.

Aphids avoided

Stir in 1 tablespoon. tablespoons of olive oil to the soil of your plants to drive out aphids and allow your plants to fully bloom.