Plant in partial shade (it can tolerate full sun in cooler areas).
Use leaves fresh in teas and salads.
Rub leaves directly on the skin for a short-term barrier.
🍃 Row 3: Strong Scents and Versatile Uses
7. Peppermint (Mentha × piperita)
Repels: Mosquitoes, ants, spiders, and flies
The potent menthol in peppermint gives it a strong aroma that deters multiple insect species. It’s also mildly soothing on insect bites.
How to use:
Grow in containers (mint spreads aggressively).
Place near doorways or seating areas.
Crush leaves and apply to pulse points for a natural repellent.
8. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Repels: Mosquitoes and garden pests
Thyme produces thymol, an oil shown to offer mosquito protection comparable to synthetic repellents. Lemon thyme is particularly effective due to its citronella-like scent.
How to use:
Use as ground cover or in herb spirals.
Burn thyme leaves to create a smoke barrier outdoors.
Infuse oil with thyme to make a DIY skin spray.
9. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
Repels: Mosquitoes (10x more effective than DEET in some studies!)
Catnip contains nepetalactone, a chemical that excites cats but repels mosquitoes even more effectively than some synthetic repellents.
How to use:
Grow in sunny spots, but protect from roaming cats if needed.
Crush the leaves or make a natural bug spray.
Plant strategically in mosquito-prone areas.
10. Bonus: Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
Repels: Mosquitoes, aphids, nematodes, and whiteflies
Marigolds release a distinctive smell containing pyrethrum, a natural insecticide. These bright flowers can guard garden borders and vegetable beds alike.
How to use:
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