Lemongrass

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
rbest53 New Caney, TX Jul 07, 2015

I read an article today about a "privacy fence" that helps to repel mosquitoes using lemongrass. I live just outside Houston, Texas and was wondering if there is a specific species of lemongrass to use. I am fairly new to gardening and any assistance would be definitely appreciated. Thank you.

Post #10107778
Quote
DaisyPlantLady Reno, NV(Zone 6b) Jul 08, 2015

You would have to sit in the Lemongrass for it to repel mosquitoes but it will take over your yard. You will be sitting in the Lemongrass in a few months.

Post #10108203
Quote
phamtex8b Conroe, TX Jul 16, 2015

Lemongrass will not get tall enough as privacy fence nor will it repel mosquitoes. Matter of fact, that's where they seemed to gather, lol! Also favorite hiding place for snakes, yikes! Sorry to discourage you but I grew them for chicken marinade. Also great on ribs, too.

Post #10112775
Quote
speediebean Somewhere in, MD(Zone 7b) Jul 18, 2015

That is really interesting, that you guys don't find Lemongrass as a mosquito repellent. I grow it around the entrances to my house and next to the bird bath for just that reason and it really works wonders for me. We live in a neighborhood on the water and it is reeeeaalllyyy humid here; I won't go a summer without growing it. Ever since I started this "ritual" I never have ONE mosquito near the house... ever.
I do agree though that it is really yummy stuff! I've not used it on beef or pork, but it's wonderful in all sorts of chicken and seafood, and in iced tea as well. :)

Post #10113382
Quote
phamtex8b Conroe, TX Jul 18, 2015

Mosquito is our state bird haha. I lived outside city limit so we don't get sprayed like folks in town, which is fine with me, don't need the poison. Glad lemongrass worked for you. We just have way too much of these pest as anyone who've been to southeast Texas can attest to. Never had it as tea, gonna try.

Post #10113674
Quote
speediebean Somewhere in, MD(Zone 7b) Jul 19, 2015

Upon further reading, I see that there are indeed varieties of "citronella grass", AKA: lemon grass that are supposed to "work"... I'm wondering if that's where the discrepancy lies?

According to this website here: http://www.livingnaturally.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?storeID=E32FA6C399AB4C99897032581851D45D&DocID=bottomline-lemongrass , what you want to look for is either Cybopogon nardus, or Cymbopogon citratus (whichever label your garden center has on its tag).

It's been aeons since I've been to Southeast Texas, so I don't remember what the mosquitoes are/were like there... then again, I work in a garden center/nursery, and no matter how large the swarms of mosquitoes are that I may walk into, I never seem to emerge with a bite; I have no idea why, but I am sure NOT looking that gift-horse in the mouth! :)

Post #10113757
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener Threads

Go to all Ask-a-Dave's-Gardener threads
BACK TO TOP