also make a great hiding space for these insects, plus they create paths to avoid soil compaction in the growing area. Plants like sweet Alyssum, Fennel, Yarrow, Dill, Queen Ann’s Lace and Zinnia provide a nectar source and shelter for other varieties of insects such as hover flies, ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps. For a water source, if you water by hand or with a sprinkler system, the little puddles that are left are usually sufficient. If you use a drip system however, you will want to provide a small basin. This could be as simple as a bowl sunk in the ground, a small tuna can, really anything that will hold just a little bit of water. Make sure to change out water regularly to avoid attracting pests like mosquitoes.


And that’s it! It really isn’t hard to bring a host of helper bugs to your garden. Give them a place to live, a little food and water and you’ll be amazed at the work they’ll do for you. You’ll be enjoying those mouthwatering fruits and veggies, pesticide-free with a host of beneficial insects protecting and pollinating your little piece of heaven! S


Meet the Good Guys


Lacewings– Adults are pale green or brown with large, veined wings. Flower nectar is the main food source for adults. Why they’re beneficial – The larvae devour aphids, mites, thrips, small caterpillars among other insects and insect eggs. Plants that attract them – Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota), Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos/Mexican aster (Cosmos bipinnatus)


Bees – It is estimated that there are approximately 30,000 species around the world. The most well known is the western honey bee (Apismellifera). Why they’re beneficial – Bees transfer pollen from the stamen (male reproductive organ in flowers) to the pistil (female reproductive organ), fertilizing the seed-to-be. It takes the nectar from approximately 5,000,000 flowers to make a single pint of honey. Plants that attract them – A wide range of flowers.


Ladybugs – Also known as Lady Beetles, the more than 400 species found in North America can be red, pink, yellow, orange or black and usually are marked with distinct spots. Adults eat flower nectar before they can reproduce. Why they’re beneficial – Both the adult and larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects in most species. A single ladybug can eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its short life. Plants that attract them – Fennel (Foeniculumvulgare), Marigold (Tagetes tenuifolia), Common Yarrow (Achilleamillefolium)


Other Noteworthy beneficial insects – Hover Flies, Minute Pirate Bugs, Assassin Bugs, Ground Beetles, Spiders, Tachinid Flies, Parasitic Wasps, Damsel Bugs, Mantids


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