Tiki torches, because of how easily they are to install and place in a garden, are a great landscape lighting idea. When it comes to the torches there is a range to choose from, from the permanent metal (copper, steel) torches that require gas piping, to the standard bamboo torches. It is with these simple an elegant bamboo tiki torches that you can use citronella oil.
Planting Tiki Torches Into Soil Or A Bucket of Sand
Tiki torches are so easy to install compared to electrical exterior lights, all you need to do is stake them into the ground. If a patch of soil is not accessible, then simply use a bucket full of sand to plant the torches in.
The 6 Parts To A Tiki Torch
You have the (1) shaft, usually made out of bamboo that will be planted into soil or sand. There is then the top (2) encasing, weaved out of bamboo to encase the (3) fuel container. This fuel container will usually be made out of plastic or metal. On top of the container will usually be a (4) metal guard, that protects the container and encasing from the flame. There is also the (5) wick that protrudes from the fuel container. And the last part of the torch is the (6) fuel within the container. Standard kerosene can be used, but citronella oil would be a better fuel option.
The Benefits of Citronella Tiki Torches
Citronella grass, a cousin of the lemon grass
Citronella oil is harvested from citronella grass, a cousin of the lemon grass. Because it is harvested and produced from the grass, citronella oil is an organic substance. Citronella tiki torch oil will burn slowly and burn with less smoke. The burning of the citronella oil will also act as a natural, non-toxic insect repellent. For best protection against the insects it would be best to plant your citronella torches about 15 feet apart in the garden.
Costs Of The Torches and The Fuel
The common bamboo tiki torches can be bought for $5-30. They readily available at home department stores, hardware stores, or even online at Amazon. While a bottle of citronella oil for tiki torches will cost $5 to $10 per bottle.
Read here for our comprehensive guide on tiki torches, from gas fueled fixtures, to the best placement of tiki torches and fire safety: Tiki Torches: Landscape Design Guide
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