How to Repel Flies and Mosquitoes Organically

Rosemary is an easy-to-grow plant that repels pests

If you love sitting outside on a fine summer day, but hate being bitten by mosquitoes or buzzed by flies, maintaining an herb garden is an organic solution. This article gives you simple step-by-step instructions on how to create your garden, and lists which plants are most effective as repellants.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Seedlings or seeds
• Potting soil
• Planter boxes or flowerpots

1. 

   If you're pest-proofing your deck, patio or porch, select a spot for your plants that gets plenty of sun. Arrange planter boxes or attractive pots for maximum coverage. Decide which mosquito and fly repelling plants you're going to use, and keep things like their colors and height in mind when you create your design.

2. The simplest way to prepare your pots for planting is to put a layer of stones on the bottom for drainage, and then fill the pot with commercially available potting soil. More experienced gardeners can give you advice on optimal ways to grow potted plants, but with a little care these simple instructions will get you started.

3. 

   The most effective anti-pest plants are: Citronella Grass, Catnip, Rosemary, Marigolds, Peppermint, Garlic, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Lavendar,
   Artemisia, Basil, Pennyroyal, Rue, and Tansy. Some will be easier to find as seedlings than others. Follow the instructions that come with the seedlings, or that are printed on the seed packages. Generally, don't plant too shallow, and don't overcrowd.

4. Maintain your plants by watering them when the first top inch or two of the soil is dry. Prune dead leaves, and if the plants start to crowd the pot or planter box, carefully remove some and re-pot them.