Mosquitoes can turn a perfect outdoor evening into an irritating experience. Fortunately, you can create a mosquito-repelling planter as a simple and effective way to keep these pests at bay.
All you have to do is combine marigolds, lavender, and mint. These plants are all known for their mosquito-repelling abilities. And by creating a planter full of them, you will not only ward off mosquitoes naturally. But you’ll also have a beautiful addition to your garden or patio!
Learn how to make your own mosquito-repelling planter with this easy guide from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
Marigolds are known for their bright yellow and orange blooms. But they aren’t just pretty to look at. They also release a strong scent that is unpleasant to mosquitoes.
Marigold plants contain a natural compound called pyrethrum, which is often used in insect repellents. By adding them to your planter, you’ll have a colorful and effective mosquito deterrent.
Lavender’s soothing aroma is loved by many people, but not so much by mosquitoes. The essential oils in its leaves and flowers contain compounds like linalool and camphor, both of which mosquitoes dislike. Incorporating lavender in your planter will add a nice fragrance to your space and keep mosquitoes away.
Mint’s fresh scent is another natural mosquito deterrent. It contains menthol, a natural compound that mosquitoes avoid. Besides its repellent properties, mint is also easy to grow. And you can use it in a variety of different recipes, making it a great addition to your planter.
Start by finding the perfect location for your planter. A spot with plenty of sunlight is best, as all three of these plants thrive in full sun.
Then, fill your planter with the potting soil. Make sure to leave about two inches of room at the top. This will help prevent overflow when watering.
Using your trowel, dig small holes all around the edge of the planter. Then, gently remove your marigold plants from their containers, and place them into the holes. Firmly pat the soil around the base of each plant to secure it in the planter.
Dig a hole in the center of the planter, which is where the lavender plant will go. Then, gently place the lavender in the hole, and fill it with soil. Make sure it stands upright and is firmly planted.
Plant the mint in all the remaining spaces between the marigolds and lavender. Mint can spread quickly, so allow enough space for it to grow without overcrowding the other plants.
After planting, thoroughly water the entire planter. Make sure the soil is evenly moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Now that your planter is complete, be sure to provide the plants with the following regular care:
Creating a DIY mosquito-repelling planter with marigolds, lavender, and mint is an easy and natural way to enhance your outdoor space and keep mosquitoes at bay. Start this fun and effective project today, and enjoy a mosquito-free yard in no time!
For more how-to guides like this one, check out our other Gardening articles.
