More people are learning the benefits of natural gardening, also known as organic gardening. They believe it makes sense to let nature work its magic without the aid of pesticides. In addition to understanding how to create healthy soil and the importance of composting, successful natural gardeners must learn how to attract beneficial insects to their gardens.
Maybe you aren't crazy about the idea of bugs and creepy crawlies. Perhaps, in the past, you were a little too quick on the draw with that can of insecticide. But you can decrease the risk of plant diseases by learning how natural gardening cultivates favorable conditions for beneficial insects in your garden.
How to attract beneficial insects to the garden
When you encourage a diverse environment where beneficial insects can thrive, these tiny creatures can do a lot of work for you. Many good insects prey on their destructive cousins. Knowing the difference between the good bugs and the bad ones elevates your gardening skills. You can attract the good insects if you:
Avoid chemical sprays. Start your natural method early as the insect populations begin to expand. Choose the least invasive method of pest control first. It takes longer to hand-pick intruder pests, but doing so causes no collateral damage to plants. Aphids can be washed off with a hose. If you can't keep up with the problem, move up a notch and use an insecticidal soap that won't leave a harmful lasting residue.
Plant "welcome" invitations. Grow plants that are a good food source and provide a welcoming home for beneficial insects. Herbs such as parsley and dill, and flowers including nasturtium, yarrow, evening primrose, strawflowers, daisies, Queen Anne's lace work well. Even some weeds will attract beneficial insects. Butterflies will thank you if you allow a few crops to go to seed -- such as lettuce, parsley or dill -- and scatter the seeds around the garden. Bees, vital for pollination, will buzz around oregano and thyme.
Use a garden insectary
The method called "companion planting" is based on the beneficial attributes that plants share. Many plants have natural deterrents to pests, unique ways to acquire nutrients, or methods to attract natural predators. The more diverse the plantings in your garden, the more diverse a habitat you create offering insects shelters and different food sources, such as pollen and nectar.
Aphids, a very common and unpopular intruder insect, can be controlled by introducing their natural predator, aphidius, a beneficial insect. Attract aphidius by planting sunflowers or lupine. The aphid predators will find their way to the insects you are trying to control to feed on them and to ultimately reproduce for a lasting presence in the garden.
An insectary plot need not be very large. Just a half-dozen varieties of plants that attract beneficial insects can reap major dividends for your garden. After the insectary plants have matured, watch as your personal police force takes over the job of controlling destructive bugs and creepy crawlies that wander into the garden.
Be aware of the insects in your garden. |
There is so much to see and explore right under our noses. Insects and bugs are fascinating creatures for you and your children to investigate. Take a walk around your yard or in a field or park, stop and sit on the grass and observe how many different bugs are around you. It's amazing how many wonderful creatures there are for us to notice in just a small area. |
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