the natural way to keep mosquitoes at bay
Summer is the time of year for me to kick back, slow down a bit, and enjoy all the hard work I’ve put into my garden. One of my favorite ways to do this is to bring the dining experience outdoors. For that, you have to be willing to deal with some challenges: the weather being one, and, of course, insects being the other. There’s not much I can do about the weather, but when it comes to dealing with bugs, I have a safe and pleasant defense: citronella. The following are three ways to use it outdoors.
candles
One natural repellant is the citronella candle, which comes in a variety of sizes and containers. The wax has been blended with citronella oil. I like to put larger ones in galvanized buckets around the garden where my guests will be having dinner. Small votive candles make an enchanting (and effective) addition to the dinner table.
plants
The citronella plant is a scented geranium also known as ‘mosquito plant’ because of its ability to repel mosquitoes. Pot a few containers
for the deck or patio and enjoy the soft purple blooms and wonderful lemon scent. You also can break a leaf, bend it and rub the oil on your skin for an all-natural insect repellent.
» Plant one or two citronella plants in a large container, at least 12 inches apart.
» Ensure your soil is light and well drained, preferably on the dry side. Avoid too much fertilizer because excess nitrogen reduces the fragrance.
» Trim back this vigorous grower regularly, and shape into any form you choose.
diy torches
Citronella oil is an aromatic oil derived from a tropical grass that is a close cousin to lemongrass popular in Asian foods. As an oil, it’s long been prized for its fragrance and insect-repelling qualities. You can use this oil by burning it in torches. When lit, the atmosphere is perfect for outdoor dining and entertaining. I make my own version of tiki torches using bottles that would otherwise be discarded.
citronella torches
You’ll need:
➤ Citronella oil
➤ Glass wine bottles
➤ Bottle caps or washers
➤ Wicks
➤ Gravel or marbles
➤ Funnel
To Make:
» Add gravel to the bottle to give it weight and stability. It also looks good and displaces the amount of citronella oil you’ll have to put in the bottle. You can use marbles or other solid objects as well.
» Cut a hole in the bottle cap and push the wick through it to keep the wick stable. You need only about ¼ inch of the wick coming through the bottle cap at the top. Another option is to use washers.
» Pour the citronella oil into the bottle. A funnel comes in handy! You will want the wick sitting in about 2 to 3 inches of oil.
» Place the wick in the bottle and screw on the cap or washer. The wick should be held in place tightly.
» Allow a few minutes for the wick to draw the oil up to the top before lighting.
P. Allen Smith is an author, conservationist, and TV host of Garden Home on PBS and Garden Style (check your lo cal listings). He uses his Arkansas Home, Moss Mountain Farm, to promote the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry. For tours of the farm, visit pallensmith.com/tours.
