A Summertime Must in Your Garden

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Summertime is meant to be lived outside, that is until the first few mosquito bites, then the hesitation is real.

But it doesn't have to be!

There are some easy, natural ways to repel mosquitos to create a safe yard for your family to play and relax. The accidental gardener that I am, I've always loved growing flowers. When we moved to the farm, I had more flowerbeds than I ever dreamed so my new dreams took me to researching English gardens on Pinterest and after one summer of pulling weeds, I realized Pinterest is wildly overrated. I want a garden that is beautiful and functional - plants that grow easily and if they serve a good purpose, like repelling mosquitos, then that's a win and well worth the planting effort!

Here are 10 options of plants you could add to your outdoor space (whether in a flowerbed or in a pot) to help keep those mosquitos away!

1. Lavender

   The fragrance alone is enough to say YES to lavender. And that is precisely why it repels mosquitos and why rabbits and insects don't feast on it either. Add in the beautiful purple hues and the fact that it's tough and drought-resistant, it's an easy add.

   
   

   Plant type: Perennial (returns every year)

   Zones: 5-11, depending on type

   Bloom time: Summer to fall
   

   

   
   
   
   

2. Marigolds

   Again, it's the smell that deters mosquitoes. If you are growing tomatoes or other veggies (you green thumb you!), plant marigolds as a border around your vegetable garden to help keep the bugs away (more than just mosquitos - these little beauties are power plants!)

   
   

   Plant type: Annual (will not return next year)

   Bloom time: Late spring until frost

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

3. Lemon Grass Also known as Citronella Grass, the smell is invigorating! It's low-maintenance and since it will not withstand the frost, you may want to plant it in a pot unless you live in a warmer climate.

   
   

   Plant type: Usually grown as an annual

   Zones: 9-11
   

   

   
   

4. Catmint

   It looks similar to lavender, but it is from the mint family (so it makes sense why it grows so abundantly). Definitely recommend putting this one in a potted container, otherwise it will take over your flower bed. (But then again, no mosquitos, so your choice!)

   
   

   Plant type: Perennial

   Zones: 3-8

   Bloom time: Early summer to fall

   
   

   

   
   

5. Rosemary You need not hear me say how good this one smells, but it's definitely worth mentioning. This herb is not only going to make cooking more fun, but keep those darn mosquitos away. You can plant it in a pot or use as a border for your flowerbed.

   
   

   Plant type: Perennial herb

   Zones: 7-10
   

   

   
   

6. Basil

   This is a staple at our farm. Mainly because fresh basil on homemade pizza is one of our absolute favorite things in this world, but also because the smell is ahhhh-mazing! And that smell, yep, you guessed it - keeps those bugs away! Plant basil in a sunny spot and keep it watered!

   
   

   Plant type: Usually grown as an annual Zones: 10-11 Bloom time: Summer to frost
   

   

   
   

7. Citronella

   If you like the smell of lemons, you'll want one of these! These are fast-growers and like the sunshine! If you plant in a potted container, keep it pruned!

   
   

   Plant type: Usually grown as an annual

   Zones: 10-11

   Bloom time: Spring to fall
   

   

   
   

8. Mint Mint is another staple around here. We love adding mint to our water and tea. It's refreshing in the simplest way. Definitely recommend growing mint in pots as it has a tendency to want to take over.

   
   

   Plant type: Perennial herb

   Zones: 3-8
   

   

   
   

9. Sage

   Growing sage is easy to do! For a summertime fire pit with s'mores, consider tossing some sage leaves into the flames to help keep bugs away. Some people like to dry it and create their own homemade bug spray. If you do this, you get 3 gold stars! Plant type: Perennial Zones: 5-8
   

   

   
   

10. Allium Another purple beauty! These bulbs grow into tall, slender stems with globe-like blooms that, yes, repel mosquitos!
    

    Plant type: Bulb Zones: 3-8, depending on variety Bloom time: Planting to hard frost

    
    

    

    
    
    
    

Why God created mosquitos, I just don't know. I have to believe it's part of the fallen world and these blood-suckers aren't part of what is beautiful and good and true about Eden, His perfect design. But, I am glad even in this fallen world, He's provided other plants that help keep these unwanted pests (and other bugs) away, so summertime can be enjoyed as it was meant to be... bug free!

Happy summer, friend! Would love to hear which one you choose and the peace it brings to your backyard living!

Our strength grows as we rely on strength from above. Our joy grows as we get out and see God in and through His beautiful creation. Our peace grows as we spend time in God's presence, and we find rest when we intentionally seek the Lord first in our lives, for the Lord is ever our portion.

The good life, well it starts with a good day. Then another. Then another. Let's choose to live #TheGoodDay one day at a time.

I love hearing from you, so go ahead. Leave a comment. Be brave. Maybe your comment will speak life into someone else!

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