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15 Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Curious about natural mosquito repellent plants? Satisfy your curiosity and find out if indeed these mosquito repellent plants are a match against these pesky blood-thirsty, disease-spreading, ear buzzers!

Mosquito Repellent Plants For Mosquito-Proof Gardens

Mosquito repellent plants sure got me going gaga with all these alarming news of Zika and West Nile virus among other mosquito-borne diseases. I went on self-help mode and went online to find out more about natural mosquito repellent plants. While there are effective ways to mosquito-proof our home, the outdoors is a different story. Luckily, some of our favorite herbs and plants are either studied or commonly known as mosquito repellants. Grow a garden with these natural mosquito repellent plants as your first line of defense against mosquitoes!

1. Citronella Or Lemongrass “Cymbopogon citratus”

Citronella Or Lemongrass "Cymbopogon citratus" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Perhaps, one of the most notable mosquito repellent plants is the lemongrass. Citronella oil, which is commonly used for making insect repellent spray, soaps, and candles can be extracted from the plant. Aside from this purpose, Oriental dish recipes are never complete without lemongrass.

2. Basil Or Saint-Joseph’s-wort “Ocimum Basilicum”

Basil Or Saint-Joseph's-wort  "Ocimum Basilicum" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Basil Or Saint-Joseph's-wort  "Ocimum Basilicum" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Growing basil in your garden isn’t only great news for your pasta recipes. Among its many uses is to ward off insects including mosquitos by their scent. One of its many health-boosting properties is to strengthen our immune system, which is our body’s first line of defense against diseases. Including, heaven forbid, mosquito-borne diseases.

3. Rosemary “Rosmarinus Officinalis”

Rosemary "Rosmarinus Officinalis" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Rosemary "Rosmarinus Officinalis" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
You can never go wrong with rosemaries both indoors and outdoors in your garden. With this drought-resistant plant, you can grow rosemary in a waterless landscape which deprives mosquitoes of their habitat. Rosemaries in a dry landscape practically equals to zero mosquitoes.Free The Last Stand T-ShirtFree The Last Stand T-Shirt

4. Catnip Or Catmint “Nepeta Cataria“

Catnip Or Catmint "Nepeta Cataria" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Catnip Or Catmint "Nepeta Cataria" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Catnip has been recognized as one of the strongest natural insect repellents. In fact, catnip is 10 times stronger than DEET, the commonly used ingredient in insect repellent. Grow lots of catmint bushes in your garden to ward off pests or grab an essential oil and use the aroma to repel mosquitoes. Your cats will certainly love this idea.

5. Lavender “Lavandula

Lavender "Lavandula" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Lavender "Lavandula" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Lavender’s agreeable aroma is wonderful for humans but not for mosquitoes. Try lavender candles or burning lavender incense to drive away mosquitoes and enjoy the relaxing scent, bug-free. Plant lavender around your home or yard or use essential oils for alternative repellents!

6. Marigold “Tagetes“

Marigold "Tagetes" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Marigold "Tagetes" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
If you’re having some major mosquito issues, have you considered planting some marigolds in your garden? Marigold is a natural mosquito repellent. No need to rub on oils or creams with this plant. Just grow it in your garden, and let the marigolds do the work.

7. Floss Flowers Or Whiteweed “Ageratum

Floss Flowers Or Whiteweed "Ageratum" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Floss Flowers Or Whiteweed "Ageratum" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Mosquitoes seem to find the smell of floss flowers offensive, probably due to coumarin, a fragrant organic compound secreted by the plant. This compound is widely used in manufacturing mosquito repellent products. Grow these flowers in your garden to repel mosquitoes but avoid rubbing the leaves on your skin.

8. Camphor Tree Or Camphor Laurel “Cinnamomum Camphora“

Camphor Tree Or Camphor Laurel "Cinnamomum Camphora" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Camphor Tree Or Camphor Laurel "Cinnamomum Camphora" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
While camphor trees are considered invasive, its pest and mosquito repelling properties are highly appreciated. You can find from the first-hand experience of camphor tree growers how they are effective in keeping mosquitoes at bay. With its strong aroma, it seems to work amazingly round the clock.

9. Cedar Tree “Cedrus

Cedar Tree "Cedrus" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Cedar Tree "Cedrus" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Some growers may not agree to this entry with mosquitoes sometimes swarming cedar trees or hedges. It is not the cedar but the cool moist shade that cedar provides which actually draws mosquitoes. In fact, cedar is also used to make mosquito repellent sprays. Its aroma and essential oils are offensive and even destructive to mosquitoes.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Chamomile | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Aside from its popular use as an ingredient for making tea, essential oils from chamomile are also used to drive insects including mosquitoes away. You can either use fresh or dried chamomile flowers to make a homemade mosquito repellent spray.

11. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Chrysanthemums | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Besides their beauty, chrysanthemums are known for its insecticidal properties. With Pyrethrum, a compound which attacks the nervous system of insects and disrupts female mosquitoes, they make very effective mosquito repellant. Adding to that, they make great indoor plants which help purify the air, according to NASA. report this ad

12. Citronella Geranium “Citrosa Geranium

Citronella Geranium "Citrosa Geranium" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Citronella Geranium "Citrosa Geranium" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Perhaps, owing to its popularity and for the high expectation as a ‘mosquito plant’, citronella geranium’s capacity has been questioned. It also smells quite like citronella, so for what it’s worth, you have the dainty flowers and the lovely scent to make up for what it probably lacks.

13. Horsemint Or Bee Balm “Monarda

Horsemint Or Bee Balm "Monarda" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Horsemint Or Bee Balm "Monarda" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
Like many of its relative from the mint family, bee balm is also known to repel insects including mosquitoes. They can effectively function as mosquito repellents when the leaves are crushed to release essential oils. Horsemint is beneficial to the garden for attracting hummingbirds and bees, which is a plus.

14. White Sage Or Tickberry “Lantana Camara

White Sage Or Tickberry "Lantana Camara" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

White Sage Or Tickberry "Lantana Camara" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
With attractive flowers blooming all summer long, you can grow low-lying lantanas in your garden to help repel mosquitoes. Its smell is offensive to insects and some critters including deer. Make sure to grow them in your garden conservatively as they can be invasive.

15. Lemon Verbena “Aloysia citrodora“

Lemon Verbena "Aloysia citrodora" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies

Lemon Verbena "Aloysia citrodora" | Natural Mosquito Repellent Plants | Homesteading Home Remedies
This is another herb with an aroma which is strongly reminiscent of lemon especially when crushed. Its ability to repel mosquitoes is probably credited to this fact. You can add lemon verbena to your mosquito repellent garden for variety.

Watch this video to make a homemade mosquito repellent from plants’ essential oils:

There’s definitely no one ultimate mosquito repellent plant which completely drives mosquitoes away. Unfortunately, this is one on going battle with these blood-thirsty pesky critters. Along with keeping your environment unlivable for mosquitoes, growing mosquito repellent plants could be one way to reduce mosquitoes in your yard!

Which of these plants is your tried and tested mosquito-repellent plant? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments!

UP NEXT: How To Get Rid Of Flies | 12 Natural And Homemade Fly Repellents

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This post was originally published in January 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Originally posted on March 19, 2017 @ 12:00 AM

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Self Sufficiency

NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.

The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.

The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.

“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”

The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller

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Self Sufficiency

How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!

This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.

So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?

RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead

Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know

Why Make Sauerkraut?

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Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.

So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
  • 1 tablespoon of salt

Tools Needed:

  • knife
  • bowl
  • mason jar
  • smaller jar
  • rubber band

Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients



Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.

You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.

Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.

Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips



Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.

Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt



Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.

TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.

RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe

Step 4: Massage the Cabbage



Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.

TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.

Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar



Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.

IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.

Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar



You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.

Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.

Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band



Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.

Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily

Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.

Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures

Homemade Sauerkraut Cumin Juniper | How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar

After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.

NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.

You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.

Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut

  • Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
  • Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
  • Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
  • If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.

Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!

So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.

What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!

Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!

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9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN

Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!

RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide

In this article:

  1. Tomato
  2. Eggplant
  3. Beet
  4. Spinach
  5. Pea
  6. Carrot
  7. Radish
  8. Cauliflower
  9. Asparagus

Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!

Tomato

Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.

Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.

Eggplant

Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?

Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.

Beets

Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.

If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.

Spinach

Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!

Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.

Pea

Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.

Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.

Carrot

There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.

They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.

Radish

A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.

Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.

Cauliflower

Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.

Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.

Asparagus

Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!

Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.

All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!

So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!

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