What are the best plants to keep mosquitoes away?

There are many plants that are considered for their mosquito repelling properties. If you have a backgarden, balcony or even a few spare pots, which plants should you be potting to keep the mosquitoes away?

Lavender
It's safe to say you generally won't catch any mosquitoes or other flying insects close to a lavender plant. This is because of their fragrance which comes from its essential oil in the leaves of the lavender. Hint: if your nanna says this is true, then it must be! Lavender can tolerate any climate but grows best in warmer areas.

Marigold
Not the gloves for washing up, but this annual flower can effectively keep the mosquitoes away. You can place marigold in pots or keep them near a doorway or the entrance to your home to stay safe from flying insects.

Rosemary
A delicious addition to the line-up of mosquito repellents. The popular herb and its woody fragance keeps mosquitoes, cabbage moths and carrot fly away. Also amazing with a lamb roast and some rubbed garlic.

Catnip
Catnip belongs to the mint family and can thrive almost anywhere. It is a great mosquito repellent but a word of warning: you might wake up to the neighbourhood cats rolling all over it.

Talking of mint...

Mint
Mint is a non-toxic plant and its pungent aroma will keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. You can keep some dry mint leaves in your home as a natural pest control.

Basil
Another delicious herb which can effectively keep mosquitoes away. Basil grows best in damp conditions with plenty of sunlight, like a kitchen window for example. You can put it separately or with other plants as long as they all need the same conditions.