It is that time of year again here in Middle Georgia (and other similar climate locations) when all the little blood suckers have started to come out. I love gardening but am not a fan of all the miniature little hemoglobin goblins that often come along with it, like fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other such vampirish creatures.

Ironically though, the garden itself can help repel them in grand ways. Garlic, garlic, and more garlic. Just like in the movies, garlic is one of the best things that will help keep these blood suckers at bay. Growing it, eating it, and using it all help tremendously.

You can also grow citronella plants and hang them around the garden, on your porch or even in your house if you are like me and tend to open too many windows when the weather is nice outside.

Lemongrass is also a great repellent and typically works even better than the more popular citronella. Growing this in your garden will help rid it of white fly or aphid infestations as well. But be aware that it can also repel small lizards such as anoles, which I love having in my garden. They are even better pest controllers, and they do not bite (unless you pick on them first) or suck your blood. So, we suggest growing lemongrass in containers that you can move to areas of infestation as needed and then relocate again as you choose.

The more of those three things you have around, the fewer of those other pests you will have. You can also make a spray out of them which you can spritz around the garden as needed.

Please note, all of these can cause issues with certain pets or people with allergies. I recommend doing your research prior to using them or just keep them away from your pets like we do.

Also contrary to what the movies would have you believe, if you can encourage bats to hang out in or around the garden, they will help tremendously as well. Did you know that one bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night? Anything that can eat that number of little blood suckers is welcome in my garden anytime. If you put up a top shielded solar light a short distance from your garden, it will draw the bugs to it at night and the bats will follow suit. Make a nice bat box for them and they will stay longer and invite friends.

So, contrary to what you might have read in certain diaries and such, bats are most certainly our friends in the garden. Research the ones in your area, then make your garden a welcoming home for them and they will make it nicer for you as well.

Happy and bite free gardening to each of you!