What are natural alternatives to repelling mosquitoes and pests in my garden?

Lavender:  Lavender's fragrant aroma can mask other scents, making it difficult for mosquitoes to locate their prey, and it can also be used in essential oils or sprays.

Marigolds:  These easy-to-grow flowers emit a scent that deters mosquitoes, and they can also help prevent other garden pests.

Citronella Grass:  Known for its strong, citrusy scent that mosquitoes dislike, citronella grass is a common ingredient in insect repellents.

Catnip:  While cats love catnip, mosquitoes are repelled by it, making it a great natural mosquito repellent.

Rosemary:  This fragrant herb is not only a great addition to your garden, but its scent also helps to keep mosquitoes at bay.

Basil:  Basil is another herb that mosquitoes dislike, and planting it in your garden or keeping a pot of it on your porch can help repel mosquitoes.  It also attracts bees and butterflies as well as other beneficial insects to your garden.

Other options:  Lemon balm, mint, sage, Allium, lemongrass, and eucalyptus can also be effective at repelling mosquitoes. 

In addition to growing the plants listed above, you should also practice good mosquito control in your garden so that the pests don’t get out of hand. The best thing you can do is prevent water from collecting and becoming stagnant; mosquitoes can lay hundreds of eggs even in a tiny spoonful of standing water — rain barrels, birdbaths, water gardens, ponds — even animal watering troughs can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.