Bring on the Good Bugs
Every garden needs bugs - those beneficial insects that prey on garden pests and pollinate the plants. These bugs need the right habitat to thrive and do their jobs.
Gardens that have pest problems do not have enough beneficial insects. Ladybugs, lacewings, tachinid flies, parastic wasps and other beneficial insects are attracted to flowers. Having a variety of flowers in the garden is important. Alyssum attracts bugs that eat cutworms. Marigolds are helpful in repelling ants and aphids, and help keep nematodes under control . Taller growing flowering plants provide shelter.
This year we are using more flowers than ever in our landscape. We are planting them among the vegetables, around the pond, along the block wall and anywhere food is growing. As we continue to transform our yard into the edible landscape, the need for more flowers is becoming evident. They really do have a purpose beyond looking beautiful. They are soldiers in the garden. No veggie patch is really complete without them.
Take care of your soil, take care of your bugs and they will reward you with a beautiful, healthy garden. Click here to read more tips to attract beneficial insects to your garden.
