Pre-Monsoon Gardening

As the rains fall, here are few plants you can grow anywhere at home to keep mosquitos away.

Looking for strategies to keep mosquitos and other insects at bay during the rainy season? Here are ten plants that are incredibly simple to grow at home and may be used to naturally prevent water-borne infections.

If your city is experiencing pre-monsoon showers, you should be concerned about the potential of mosquito-borne infections. There are various methods for getting rid of mosquitoes, ranging from repellent coils to sprays. However, instead of using chemical treatments, there are various natural alternatives that are equally efficient and effective.

Here is a compilation of mosquito-repelling plants that you can nurture in your garden or even indoors..

Rosemary

Rosemary, an evergreen shrub, is one of the greatest plants for repelling mosquitoes.

The herb’s pungent odour repels not only mosquitoes but also a variety of other critters such as cabbage moths and carrot flies. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be readily maintained in tiny planting pots indoors.

Marigold

Marigolds, one of the most popular and common flowers in India, are easy to grow in any type of soil. They are brightly coloured and have a distinct odour that repels mosquitoes as well as other plant pests such as squash bugs and tomato worms.

Marigolds can be cultivated both indoors and outdoors and can be placed near doorways or windows to help avoid pests.

Tulsi (Holy basil)

The holy basil, also known as tulsi, is well-known for its ability to kill mosquito larvae. Tulsi’s powerful odour also repels other insects such as whiteflies, asparagus beetles, and carrot flies.

Basil comes in a variety of flavours, including lemon basil and cinnamon basil, all of which are helpful at repelling mosquitoes.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, another great mosquito repellent plant, is recognised for its strong and distinctive odour. It contains citronella, an essential oil that is a natural mosquito repellant and is frequently used for the same reason in candles, sprays, and lotions. Its powerful aroma deters mosquitoes and can so be grown everywhere.

Lemongrass is heat and drought tolerant, but not frost tolerant. As a result, it is advised to put these in containers that may be maintained indoors during the winter.

Mint

Mint, known for its distinct and refreshing flavour, is another great bug repellant, including mosquitoes. It is also commonly used as a mouth refresher and in cooking.

Mint is simple to grow and may be kept in your garden or even indoors in containers. It grows nicely when given sufficient sunshine and constant hydration.

Garlic

Garlic is a popular natural insect repellent that works well against mosquitoes and other flying and crawling insects. It can be broken into pieces and stored in various areas where mosquitoes can enter. Garlic extract can also be sprayed on plants to deter insects.

Furthermore, simply growing a garlic plant in the garden will assist to repel insects.

Citronella Grass

Citronella grass, a plant that mimics lemongrass, has a citrus-like aroma that repels insects such as mosquitoes and whiteflies. It is also a prevalent element in nearly all insect repellents.

The plant can be grown anywhere, including indoors, as long as it is kept cool and receives bright but filtered sunshine.

Catnip

Catnip contains the active component Nepetalactone, which is found in most commercial insect repellents.

It grows quickly, both outside and indoors.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm, commonly known as horsemint, has a strong flavour and various therapeutic properties.

The plant grows quickly and takes little care, making it ideal for growing anyplace.

Lavender

The lovely aroma of lavender has the capacity to repel a variety of insects, including mosquitoes. Insects are repelled by the essential oils found in the leaves.

The plant is drought tolerant and simple to grow. It should be kept in a bright, well-draining location.