Thursday, May 13, 2010

Marigold vs Mosquitoes

CETDEM members introduced Marigold to me as a plant that can help prevent mosquitoes in the garden. That property in Marigold got me convinced that I must get them planted! In recent months, there have been many cases of dengue fever in our housing area, UEP Subang Jaya. So, if Marigold is a mosquito deterrant, it will be handy for us.

In fact, MPSJ (Subang Jaya Municipal Council) officers were going from house to house this morning and evening to check if there is any contained water that is breeding ground for aedes mosquitoes (the carrier of dengue fever). One will be charged with a summon of not more than RM500 if any larvae is found in the compound of his premise!

Dengue fever can be fatal. I had it 2 years ago and was hospitalized for a week. The doctor informed me that if I get dengue fever for the 2nd and 3rd time, it can be a matter of death then. So, I am all out on the war against aedes mosquitoes!!! Hope you gardeners out there, especially those in tropical countries, will keep a look out NOT to keep any clear stagnant water in your garden or house. Mosquitoes like to breed in this condition.



These are the Marigold seeds that I bought from CETDEM's stall during the recent Organic Day event in SS2. I got 2 packets at RM1 each. There are so many seeds in each packet.



The seeds began to sprout 2 days after they are sowed. Isn't that easy?





After 2 weeks, these are the seedlings that I got from those Marigold seeds. Now I simply sit back and wait for them to grow stronger and produce those vibrant Marigold flowers. At the same time, I hope they will help to deter mosquitoes from visiting my garden! You can try to plant some too! Do make sure you don't keep any clear stagnant water in your garden. Check those flower pot plates and any water features in your garden! Let's together wage a war against aedes mosquitoes!

9 comments:

islandgal246 said...

Those seeds and seedlings look like Marigold to me. The magnolia is a medium to large tree with creamy white scented flowers and shiny green leaves.

James David said...

You can also plant Thulasi & Wormwood - both are very good mosquito repellent plants.

J.C. said...

Thanks Islandgal for notifying me on this mistake. I am still new to this flower that I had mistakenly posted it as magnolia when it's actually marigold. Thanks!

J.C. said...

Hi James, I have seen a Tulasi plant but not a Wormwood. Do you have Wormwood in your garden? Could you help me by posting the photos so that I know how it looks like. Thanks.

Autumn Belle said...

Some marigolds make good ground covers and they self seed easily.

Stephanie said...

Way to go JC!

WendyinKK said...

Oh... I know, Marigolds are smelly.. which is why mossies are scared of them. I never like them but since they are good, I'll plant them next time, but too bad they don't last that long before the whole plant looks ugly.
In Chinese they are called "gai see far". Chicken poop flower.

Jeff said...

Did the marigolds help? Plans like citronella and horsemints do just as well. You can look for a complete list of plants that repel mosquitoes. The more you have in your garden, the better. Jeffrey @ BugManiacs

Unknown said...

hi, may i get the marigold plant from nursery in malaysia? is it common? pls kindly reply me at jiahui_93@live.com TQVM =)

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