Now that Spring has sprung, gardeners are preparing for some time outdoors. This year, how about invite some insects to join you in the garden as well. Beneficial insects can help reduce the amount of bad insects by eating them. There are two types of beneficial insects: predators and parasitoids. Predators eat the harmful bugs and some types include preying mantis, green lynx spiders, ground beetles, lacewigs, and ladybugs. Parasitoids have two jobs: pollinating and comsuming pests. They include wasps, flies and bees, but are so small that they will not harm the gardner.
The easiest way to attract beneficial bugs is to plant their favorite flowers, which are flower forms for nuzzling nectar or hunting prey. One of the best types is a Queen Anne's Lace or any other with a blossom or landing pad such as: fennel, cilantro, dill, and parsley, alyssum, oregano, mint, basil, thyme zinnias, daisies, coneflowers, and sunflowers. It is important to spread these plants out through your garden to lure the beneficial insects. Make sure to not over fertilize because many pests can detect high nitrogen in plants and will move on.
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