The Best Mosquito-Repelling Plants for Georgina That Actually Work

Because you shouldn't be the main course at your backyard BBQ.

Ah, summer in Georgina. The birds are chirping, the BBQ is sizzling, and you’re finally relaxing on your patio… until buzz buzz buzz—the mosquitoes arrive like they own the place. Let’s be honest: nothing ruins a summer evening faster than becoming an all-you-can-eat buffet for bloodsuckers.

But instead of spraying your yard with chemicals that smell like a science experiment gone wrong, why not let nature do the heavy lifting? Enter mosquito-repelling plants: your green, fragrant army against those biting pests. 

If you're gardening in Canadian growing zone 5, you're in luck—there are plenty of beautiful, easy-to-grow plants that naturally repel mosquitoes. Let’s dig into how these plants work, what to grow, where to put them, and how to keep them healthy and happy all season long.

 

How Do Mosquito-Repelling Plants Work?

Mosquitoes find their victims using scent. They're drawn to carbon dioxide, sweat, and body heat—basically, just existing makes you a target. But here’s the twist: certain plants produce strong natural oils that confuse or repel mosquitoes, masking your scent and making it harder for them to find you.

These mosquito-repelling oils are released when the plant is brushed, crushed, or even just warmed by the sun. Many of these oils—like citronella, menthol, and camphor—not only repel mosquitoes, but also smell fantastic to humans. Win-win.

Top Mosquito-Repelling Plants for Zone 5 Gardens

Looking to build your bug-busting botanical team? These plants are proven mosquito deterrents and thrive in Georgina’s zone 5 climate—some as annuals, some as perennials, and most with bonus benefits like pollinator appeal or kitchen usefulness.

Citronella (aka Mosquito Plant)

• How it works: Contains citronella oil, a mosquito repellent used in candles and sprays.
• Growing tips: Treat as an annual or overwinter indoors. Loves full sun and warm temps.
• Best in: Planters near patios or entryways. 

Lemon Balm

• How it works: High in citronella, smells lemony fresh.
• Bonus: A calming herb good for teas—and your nerves.
• Zone 5 tip: Can overwinter but spreads aggressively. Keep it in pots. 

Lavender

• How it works: Mosquitoes hate its sweet scent.
• Benefits: Drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, smells amazing.
• Planting: Needs full sun and well-drained soil. 

Basil

• How it works: Strong aroma repels mosquitoes—and makes killer pesto.
• Planting: Needs full sun and rich soil. Loves regular watering.
• Best in: Planters or near veggie gardens. 

Catnip

• How it works: Contains nepetalactone—10x more effective than DEET in studies.
• Downside: Spreads quickly. Also attracts every cat in the neighbourhood.
• Tip: Pot it up to control spread. 

Rosemary

• How it works: Strong piney scent deters mosquitoes.
• Uses: Culinary, ornamental, mosquito control. A triple threat!
• Zone 5 tip: Treat as an annual or bring indoors in winter. 

Mint

• How it works: Its menthol-rich oils repel mosquitoes and other insects.
• Note: Extremely invasive—never plant in the ground without containment.
• Use: In pots, borders, or hanging baskets. 

Marigolds

• How they work: Contain pyrethrum, used in many insect repellents.
• Planting: Annuals that love full sun. Easy to grow from seed or starts.
• Bonus: Deters other pests too—like aphids and nematodes. 

Bee Balm (Monarda)

• How it works: A native plant with a strong scent that repels mosquitoes.
• Bonus: Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Zone 5 note: A hardy perennial that returns each year.

Where to Place Mosquito-Repelling Plants for Maximum Effect

Plant placement is key if you want to create a real-life no-fly zone. Think strategically:

• Near patios, decks, and outdoor seating: Create a living barrier around areas where you spend time.
• By doorways and windows: Keep mosquitoes from sneaking inside.
• Around outdoor kitchens or BBQs: Bonus—herbs like basil, rosemary, and mint do double duty.
• Along walkways or paths: When brushed, plants release more scent into the air. 

Planters are a game-changer here. They let you move plants as needed, group scents together, and even rotate them into sunny spots.

 

When to Plant Mosquito-Repelling Plants in Zone 5

In Georgina, zone 5 means your last frost date is around mid-May, give or take. Start planting mosquito-repelling plants:

• After the last frost: Typically late May to early June.
• Annual herbs and tender perennials (like basil, citronella, and rosemary): Wait until the weather is consistently warm.
• Cold-hardy perennials (like lavender, bee balm, and mint): You can plant these earlier, but wait for workable soil. 

Start some herbs like basil and lavender from seed indoors in March–April, or grab healthy starter plants from your local garden centre (wink wink).

How to Plant in the Ground or in Planters

In the Garden:

• Choose a sunny location with 6–8 hours of sunlight daily.
• Amend your soil with compost or triple mix for best growth.
• Space plants appropriately—don’t crowd them, or airflow will suffer.
• Mulch around perennials to retain moisture and block weeds.

In Planters:

• Use high-quality potting soil with good drainage.
• Make sure pots have drainage holes—soggy roots are a no-go.
• Group complementary plants—e.g., citronella + basil + mint in a patio pot.
• Water more frequently than garden beds.

 

How to Look After Mosquito-Repelling Plants

Healthy plants = stronger scent = fewer mosquitoes. Here’s how to keep your green defenders happy:

• Water consistently, especially in containers.
• Deadhead flowers (like marigolds and lavender) to keep blooms coming.
• Harvest herbs often—basil, mint, rosemary, and lemon balm all thrive on being clipped.
• Fertilize every few weeks with organic or slow-release fertilizer.
• Watch for pests (yes, even the pest-repelling plants can get aphids or mildew). 

For tender plants like citronella and rosemary, bring them indoors before first frost (usually late September/early October). Place them in a sunny window and reduce watering through winter.

Bonus Tips for Natural Mosquito Control

Pair mosquito-repelling plants with these tips to really take back your yard:

• Dump standing water: Mosquitoes breed in birdbaths, gutters, and plant saucers.
• Add airflow: A gentle breeze (or fan) makes it hard for mosquitoes to land.
• Use crushed leaves: Rub basil, mint, or lemon balm leaves on your skin (patch test first).
• Make DIY sprays: Steep mint, rosemary, or lavender in boiling water, cool, strain, and spritz. 

And don’t forget: it’s about reducing mosquitoes, not eliminating them completely. But hey, fewer bites and better smells? That’s a solid trade-off.

 

Mosquitoes Out, Pollinators In

Good news—most mosquito-repelling plants still welcome beneficial bugs like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Plants like bee balm, lavender, and marigolds not only deter the bad guys but also support your garden's ecosystem.

So while you’re protecting yourself from bites, you’re helping your garden thrive. And isn’t that what gardening’s all about?

 

Final Buzz: Natural Mosquito Control That Smells Like Victory

In Georgina’s growing zone 5, mosquito-repelling plants are more than just pretty faces—they’re functional, fragrant, and fabulous additions to your garden, deck, or patio. Whether you’re planting a full herb border or potting up a citronella trio, you’re giving yourself a natural way to enjoy summer without all the swatting.

So there you have it, go ahead, plant your scented army. Mix beauty with purpose. And finally enjoy those warm summer nights without becoming a human hors d’oeuvre. 

Looking for these plants? Pop into Georgina Garden Centre where our knowledgeable team will help you build your own mosquito-repelling lineup. We’ve got the plants, the pots, and the no-nonsense advice to help you garden smarter, not itchier. 

Happy gardening!