Vriksha nursery

Vriksha nursery is a second generation nursery based in Mumbai where we strive to change the face of urban gardening in India with over 25,000 gardens executed in Maharashtra/Goa/Gujarat. We have a team of dedicated professionals who will leave no stone unturned to give you gardens of the utmost quality. Vriksha nursery has been synonymous with innovation in our field be it set landscaping(over 15000 teleserials/movies/adfilms), temporary landscapes (over 2500 exhibitions and weddings),ikebana flower arrangements, urban farming, rooftop gardens,living walls etc.
contact us :9820704069 Email: shaan_lalwani@hotmail.com
or better still
Drop by at: 1 ganga apts ,
irla railway soc(2nd last bungalow lane opp papilon hotel )
mumbai 400056.
WHY GO GREEN...WHEN NATURE HAS SO MANY COLOURS TO OFFER!

Friday, April 29, 2011

Biological solutions for getting rid of mosquitoes.


In mumbai we think the best way to get rid of mosquitoes is either the *BMC Fumingation man* or the various cannisters , tubes of mosquito replennts .Iv got my nursery in my own backyard so i have spend lots of time outdoors. i would rather be tending my plants than swatting mosquitoes.And if you wanted keep plants in your balcony but taught of these minni vampires made you think otherwise think again.While there are many things you can do to keep mosquitoes away,my fav the mosquito bats( its fun to keep killing them) but if you dont want to murder these pesky pests there are some plants that will beautify your green space and help repel mosquitoes.
As one more way to keep mosquitoes away from you and your garden, try planting these attractive plants.


HORSEMINT/SPEARMINT/PEPPERMINT
Back in the days people used it as a treatment for colds and flu. It has natural fungicidal and bacterial retardant properties because it’s essential oils are high in thymol.the plant is very easy to maintain and a beautiful ground cover that could be planted under your larger plants to cover the soil.


ROSEMARY
This wonderful herb we use for seasoning is also a great, natural mosquito repellant. It has been used for centuries to keep pesky mosquitoes away. Rosemary is a native of the Mediterranean, so it likes hot, dry weather and well-drained soil.If you happen to live in a part of the country where rosemary does not grow, you can get a good quality rosemary essential oil; mix 4 drops with ¼ cup olive oil. Store in a cool, dry place. When it comes to fresh plant oils as natural mosquito repellants, there is every reason to have the plant in your yard, if they will grow in your area. It is an inexpensive and attractive way to boost the appearance of the landscape and have natural mosquito repellants on hand as well.


MARIGOLDS
Organic gardeners have used marigolds as companion plants to keep aphids away. Mosquitoes don’t like its scent any better (and some humans feel the same way). Marigolds are sun-loving annuals that come in a variety of shapes and sizes for almost any landscape. They are quite easy to grow from seed.



AGERATUM
This charming little bedding plant contains coumarin, and mosquitoes detest the smell. It is used in the perfume industry and is even in some commercial mosquito repellants. Don’t rub ageratum on your skin, though. It has some other less desirable elements that you don’t want to keep on your skin in quantity. Ageratums are annuals, and the come in a muted blue and white that compliments most other plantings.


CITRONELLA
Citronella oil is popular as a 'natural' insect repellent. Its mosquito repellent qualities have been verified by research, including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti (dengue fever mosquito). To be continually effective most citronella repellent formulas need to be reapplied to the skin every 30–60 minutes.
A plant that has been the known to have superb anti fungal properties and also used in the perfumery industry for its high oil content.


The other kind of mosquito plant is agastache cana. Its common names include Texas hummingbird mint, bubblegum mint, giant hyssop, or giant hummingbird mint. As you might guess, hummingbirds are quite attracted to it. Sadly these plants are not freely available in India .




CATNIP
One of the most powerful mosquito repellant plants is ordinary catnip. Recent studies have shown that it is ten times more effective than DEET at repelling mosquitoes. It is a short lived perennial . It is easy to grow from seed, and quickly reseeds. Aside from its intoxicating effects on cats, the leaves make a very soothing tea.
With all of these plants, the leaves must be crushed to release the aroma. Otherwise mosquitoes can’t smell them. And, with rosemary and catnip, you can simply crush a few leaves and rub on your skin and clothing to enhance the effect.

Other slightly smelly but organic way to get rid of them is Garlic which is the main component in many herbal remedies. Mosquitoes hate it. Gardeners who eat lots of garlic may find that they scratch those mosquito bites far less. Of course, you would have to eat a lot of garlic and you may find that you repel more than just mosquitoes. Nevertheless, organic gardeners use garlic sprays, powders and plantings to help deter the creatures. It may not reduce their numbers dramatically, but when coupled with other natural combatants, you may see a reliable reduction.




So, next time you are revising your plantings, consider using some of these attractive plants to do more than just enhance the landscape.

12 comments:

  1. Very Very Nice Useful Informations !
    Keep-it up sending !

    Regards,

    Jayesh Parikh - CEO { 09377761911 }
    PRAKRITI - A Call 2 Come Back 2 Mother Nature Earth
    BHARUCH

    ReplyDelete
  2. You mentioned that it is necessary to crush leaves to repel mosquitoes. How can planting these plants help? Do we have to crush a handful of the leaves of the plant every night? I have Tulsi plant on all my window sils. Yet the mosquitoes barge in the moment I open the windows.

    ReplyDelete
  3. plants like citronella ,the mints grow supper quickly u need to just lightly crush the 3-4 inches of the leaves in de evening the smell actually keeps the mosquitoes out...im trying to get in some more plants that how do i say it sweetly....EAT THEM...BUT v ll have 2 wait till post divali for them to be out for sale ...till then try the above mentioned plants.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for the informative article. I have used citronella oil and found it effective.

    ReplyDelete
  5. a very informative post indeed...im going to try and plant atleast a few now :D
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    ReplyDelete
  6. First of all... congratulations for the wonderful green initiative taken by you. I have read your article in MUmbai Mirror( 22/9/2011)My concerns are where will I get good quality of soil and saplings of various plants close to Mira Rd.and also I have a wonderful 600 sq ft open terrace around my house which I want to utilise as a garden rather than enclosing it into another room. But I have no knowledge of quality gardening and horticulture.Please could you update me on the same.

    ReplyDelete
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  10. The BMC had sent out appeal letters for imparting training to 4,674 housing societies and corporate offices in January. "Of the 4,674 appeals, 702 parties responded. We have appointed up to 500 citizen mosquito breeding detectors who will carry BMC's message to their localities and neighbourhoods," said Rajan Naringrekar, BMC's insecticide officer. To know how to prevent mosquito bites, Visit Mosquito net Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for providing the list of various plant to keep mosquitoes away. BMC is made for nothing. From my childhood i saw their is no innovative activities by BMC to fight back with diseases spread by mosquito.

    ReplyDelete