In order to grow a naturally healthy garden, it is important to reduce or eliminate the use of broad-spectrum pesticides in your garden. Bees and other beneficial insects are often far more sensitive to insect sprays than the pests you are trying to kill. Once the spray kills the beneficial insects, the pests are then free to multiply without the natural control. As pest populations rise, you might be tempted to spray even more frequently which can lead to resistant strains of bad bugs. The more you need to spray the fewer natural enemies you’ll have to help you out.

Although many beneficial insects perform their pest control services only during an immature stage, the adults feed on nectar and pollen. You can attract and keep a wide variety of beneficial insects in your garden by including flowering plants that are rich in pollen and nectar. Some adult beneficial insects also need water from dew, irrigation or other sources to sustain them during dry periods.

Usually we choose plants solely for their beauty, but to help minimize pest problems consider plant characteristics and the site where it will grow. It’s easier to plant a compatible plant for a particular location than to try and alter the growing conditions.

Plant a diversity of species that includes native plants and plants from Mediterranean climates. This ensures that a single pest problem will not devastate your entire landscape. The following plants make great additions to any garden and will help attract a variety of beneficial insects:

Written by:
Matt Lepow, Owner, CCNPro, B.S. Ornamental Horticulture