While many people would find an insect-free garden more enjoyable, gardeners know just how important it is for us to share the space with these tiny critters. Small yet mighty, bugs do all sorts of things to support our ecosystem, including pollinating our favorite plants, aerating the soil, and even preying on other insects that we consider pests. So how do you encourage a space that allows beneficial bugs to thrive? Let’s find out!
Flowers that Attract Pollinators
Arguably the single most important thing we can thank insects for is pollination. Without the pollination power of bees, butterflies, beetles, and even mosquitoes, our world would look very different! Not only would we be missing out on the beauty of 90% of the world’s flowering plants, but that also includes eliminating many foods from our diets, including many fruits and vegetables, nuts, coffee, and even chocolate! Luckily, there are many ways to support healthy populations of our favorite pollinators.
The best way to attract pollinators is to entice them with their favorite flowers. They’re most attracted to blooms that they’re familiar with, so opt for species that are native to North Dakota, like Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Goldenrod, and Milkweed. Other flowers that attract pollinators and grow well in Bismarck include Dahlias, Lavender, Marigolds, Sunflowers, and Lilacs. Remember, it’s just as important to include a variety of different flowers as it is to choose the right species. A diverse garden will ensure there’s something for a variety of different pollinators at all times.
Attracting Other Beneficial Insects
While pollinators take much of the credit when it comes to beneficial insects, there are plenty of other bugs that work in our favor. Insects such as ladybugs, praying mantis, and lacewings are true superheroes, working hard day and night to defend our favorite plants and crops from pests like aphids, mealybugs, mites, grasshoppers, and scale insects.
Similar to planting for pollinators, certain plants and flowers are useful for attracting other beneficial insects to your yard. If there’s a particular bug you’d like to see more of, do some quick research on what plants they enjoy. For example, ladybugs tend to like flat flowers, or those with yellow or white petals, like Marigolds, Daisies, or Yarrow. Plants from the Aster, Carrot, and Pea families are often useful for attracting other predatory insects.
Aside from planting flowers, we suggest keeping an area of your yard natural and un-groomed to provide safe nesting space for bugs. If you can also include a source of water, such as a water fountain or a garden pond, your bug buddies won’t have any reason to leave their backyard paradise!
Finally, we recommend that you avoid insecticides. While chemicals may be effective in eliminating garden pests, it’s impossible to be selective, and you will undoubtedly also harm beneficial bugs in the process. Instead, focus on taking good care of your garden and keeping your plants healthy to discourage common pests in the first place! Keep in mind that no garden is ever going to be 100% “pest-free,” but we can do our best to control populations and keep them in a healthy range. Besides, allowing for a healthy population of “bad” bugs will help to attract and feed your beneficial insects!
A more diverse garden will not only support a balanced ecosystem full of beneficial bugs, but will also leave you with a beautiful outdoor space with A+ curbside appeal. Plant a few new native plants this year, and your garden will be buzzing with beneficial bugs in no time!