5 Insect-Repellent Plants to Protect Your Garden from Summer Insects

Summer is a beautiful season for plants to thrive happily but at the same time, it’s also a favorable time for pesky insects and mosquitoes to spread. These unwelcome guests not only cause stress but can also spread disease to your plants and crops. So, maintaining your garden can feel like a constant battle.

Chemical sprays and repellents may offer quick solutions, but long-term use can harm plants, soil, and the well-being of humans. Thankfully, some plants have the qualities of insect repellent which not only offers a sustainable solution but also adds beauty to your garden all summer long. 

Here are the top 5 insect-repellent plants to protect your garden from summer insects:

Mint: 

Mint is one of the must-have garden herbs as it offers numerous health benefits. Apart from that, its refreshing strong scent also acts as an air freshener, attracting bees and butterflies and repelling ants, flies, and mosquitoes. 

Mint is a perennial and easy-to-grow plant. It spreads vigorously so it's best to plant it in a pot and trim frequently. 

Rosemary: 

Rosemary is a woody fragrant evergreen plant that keeps pesky insects away and attracts beneficial insects. 

Because of its insect-repellent properties rosemaries are also usually planted near vulnerable crops like cabbage, broccoli, beans, carrots, etc to protect them from mosquitoes, moths, and carrot flies. Also, they encourage faster growth and better taste of crops around them.

Lemongrass:

Lemongrass is a natural mosquito-repellent plant and is often the main ingredient in natural mosquito coils and sprays. However, mosquitoes don’t harm your plants but can create an unpleasant experience for gardeners and visitors. 

Plant lemongrass near balconies or seating areas, and place them near damp soil beds, water trays, or ponds to discourage mosquito breeding. Crush a few leaves to release its citronella oil which will mask the scents that attract mosquitoes such as carbon dioxide and sweat. 

Marigold:

Marigolds aren't just bright ornamental plants but also a powerful bug-repellent. These vibrant blooms contain pyrethrum, a natural ingredient that keeps whiteflies, squash bugs, and aphids away.

Marigolds can be a perfect companion plant for squash, beans, cucumbers, or tomatoes. Plant them around the edges of vegetable and fruit beds to create a natural colorful insect repelling fence. 

Petunia: 

Petunias with lovely purple and pink hues can be another beautiful addition to your insect-free summer garden. They secrete a sticky substance that traps and repels small insects like mosquitoes, aphids, bugs, and leafhoppers from getting near plants and damaging them. 

Keep petunias along the edges or in hanging baskets around your garden. They’ll not only protect your garden but also attract beneficial insects like hoverflies, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds that help in pollination. 

 

Final Thought

A garden can be both beautiful and functional. By planting these top 5 natural insect-repellent plants, you're not just protecting your space from summer insects-  you’re also supporting pollinators, reducing chemical usage, and creating a more pleasant environment for yourself and your visitors.