Using Geraniums As Insect Repellent
Geraniums have been used to ward off ticks for centuries and the oil is reputed to be a natural insect repellent. These plants produce oils that repel insects, in fact, one new type of geranium called the
mosquito geranium was purposely created for it's production of citronella oil.
Geraniums have astringent and antiseptic properties and have been used for healing and to repel insects for centuries. The plant is native to South Africa but grows freely in the US and Europe and is a wonderful addition to any garden. It produces oils around the leaves and flowers. The oils are harvested two or three times a year and should be taken just when the plant is about to start flowering.
The healing oils can be infused and applied topically or ingested as a tea or essential oil.
Since the geranium has antiseptic properties, it is reputed to help restore balance in the skin and hair when applied topically. As a calming herb, drinking geranium tea can help relieve stress.
For a herbal infusion, you want to infuse olive oil with your herb. Find a jar that can be tightly covered and fill with the botanicals til it is 1” from the rim. Pour in extra virgin olive oil to cover. Sit on the windowsill for 2 weeks. Shake it every day. Strain out the flowers and store in the refrigerator. It should keep for 3 months.
Growing Geraniums In Your Garden
Ever versatile, geraniums can flourish inside and outside both in planters and garden beds.
Make sure you plants get at least 6 hours of sun each day and are protected from strong winds.
The geranium will do best in a well drained soil (a mix of soil and peat moss for container plants is good).
Keeping geraniums in containers is nice if you live in a climate with a harsh winter – you can bring the plant in in the cold weather and set it back out when the last frost is over. Make sure you give it a planter that is large enough for the plant and take care to not overwater.
Indoors, geraniums will flower better if you keep them in a sunny spot. They prefer temperatures around 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night. Use a well drained potting mix and fertilize monthly in the spring summer and every 2 months in fall and winter.
| 
