Cheers to Mosquito- Free summer nights

Summers are gorgeous and pretty much equal string lights, paper lantern, a smoky grill and outdoor dinners in my house…but I do have to be honest there is one thing I could really do without, the mosquitos! creepy crawlers in general actually.

I have now been in san Diego for more than a decade, and I learned a few tricks to keeps unwanted guests away…at least while I’m having dinner on the patio.

If you don't want to douse yourself or your garden in chemical bug sprays you can grow some of these plants to help keep mosquitoes away naturally. Plant these plants in areas where guests will be often such as by a seating area or a doorway.

12 Plants that work as a natural Mosquito Repellent

• LAVENDER:

Have you ever noticed that insects have never decimated your lavender plant? It is because of their lovely fragrance, which comes from its essential oils that are found on the leaves of the plant. It is even argued that lavender oil hinders a mosquito’s ability to smell! This plant is also very tough and drought-resistant once established, ( a golden trait to Southern Californians) and only needs full sun and good drainage. And while it can endure many climates, it thrives in warmer areas.

• CITRONELLA GRASS:

Known for its distinct smell, citronella grass is the most commonly used natural ingredient in mosquito repellants. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden recommends lemon-scented plants such as citronella grass to keep mosquitoes at bay. And the good news is that the living plant is the most effective at repelling pests. This low maintenance plant does best in large planters because it cannot withstand frost, but in warmer climates, can be planted directly a sunny area in the ground.

• MARIGOLDS ;

Marigolds, an easy-to-grow annual flower, emit a smell that deters mosquitoes. Grow them in pots and place them near your patio or entrance to your home to keep bugs out. They also dissuade aphids, thrips, whiteflies, Mexican bean beetles, squash bugs, and tomato hornworms.

• ROSEMARY:

.Rosemary is an herb that many of us are very familiar with and their woody scent is exactly what keeps mosquitoes as well as cabbage moths and carrot flies away.

• BASIL:

Basil is another herb that can also double as a pest repellent. The pungent smell the basil leaves give off are what keep pests at bay. And since all kinds of basil work to keep flies and mosquitoes at bay, feel free to explore and find the right types of basil to mix into your garden. This herb likes to be kept damp, needs good drainage, and enjoys lots of sun.

• SCENTED GERANIUMS:

Scented geraniums seem to be a popular mosquito repelling plant, One of the favored scents seems to be lemon scented, which is reminiscent of citronella grass. They are beautiful blooms with a strong fragrance that keep several types of pests away. These fast growing plants like warm, sunny, and dry climates, but if you are in a cold climate area, they can be grown in planters with constant pruning. Not to mention they look stunning as foliage in floral arrangements.

• MINT:

Mint is an excellent nontoxic option for keeping mosquitoes, flies and even ants away. The more pungent the aroma, the less bugs you’ll have.It grows well t in pots on your patio where it can be easily reached if you want to drop a leaf or two in your afternoon tea., and also a great foliage for floral arrangements and hand tied summer bouquets.

• BEE BALM:

Bee Balm attracts butterflies and bees while it repels mosquito…what an amazing plant to have. Simply crush its leaves to release the fragrant oils. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy colorful flowers, in shades of red, pink, lavender, white, or purple, all summer long.

• SAGE:

Toss some of the plant into the flames and its earthy smell will ward off bugs. Sage can also be dried and used to make homemade bug spray. Not to mention it can be used fresh in the kitchen and it can be dried to make smudge incense sticks or of course dried for kitchen use.

• CATNIP:

It is from the mint family and grows abundantly both as a commercial plant and as a weed. It is very easy to take care of and may even start to invade other areas of your garden. However, if you are willing to forgo this plant’s insidious nature, they are amazing mosquito repellants

• ALLIUM:

These bulbs, which include garlic and onions, release a strong fragrance that mosquitoes don’t like. You’ll enjoy the whimsical globe-shaped flowers of allium that seem to float atop long slender, stems.