Attracting helpful insects to your garden is one of the best things you can do as a gardener!
These insects not only help pollinate your flowers and fruits, but they also keep pests under control naturally.
I've noticed that adding certain flowers to my garden has really improved the health of my plants. Here are three of my favorite flowers that bring in these helpful critters:
Marigolds: These bright and cheerful flowers are not only beautiful, but they also attract ladybugs and lacewings. These insects love to eat aphids, which can harm your plants. Marigolds have a strong smell, too, that can keep some bad pests away. Planting marigolds around your veggies or near roses is a smart way to protect them.
Yarrow: I started planting yarrow in my garden last year, and I’m so glad I did! This tough plant has soft, white flower clusters that look lovely. Yarrow brings in many helpful insects, like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which help control aphid numbers. It’s also a favorite for bees, making it great for pollination in your garden.
Borage: If you want to attract lots of bees, borage is the flower to choose! This simple herb produces pretty blue, star-shaped flowers that draw in bees and other pollinators. The leaves are also helpful for the soil, adding nutrients when they break down. I’ve found that my zucchini plants grow better when borage is nearby because of all the extra pollination.
To get the most out of these helpful flowers, here are some tips:
Plant in Groups: Putting flowers together makes it easier for beneficial insects to find them in your garden.
Mix It Up: Don’t just plant one kind of flower! A variety of different species can attract more helpful insects.
Choose Local Flowers: Picking flowers that are native to your area can be very effective because they are usually better suited to the local environment.
With these flowers in your garden, you’ll create a lively space that helps your plants thrive! Happy gardening!
Attracting helpful insects to your garden is one of the best things you can do as a gardener!
These insects not only help pollinate your flowers and fruits, but they also keep pests under control naturally.
I've noticed that adding certain flowers to my garden has really improved the health of my plants. Here are three of my favorite flowers that bring in these helpful critters:
Marigolds: These bright and cheerful flowers are not only beautiful, but they also attract ladybugs and lacewings. These insects love to eat aphids, which can harm your plants. Marigolds have a strong smell, too, that can keep some bad pests away. Planting marigolds around your veggies or near roses is a smart way to protect them.
Yarrow: I started planting yarrow in my garden last year, and I’m so glad I did! This tough plant has soft, white flower clusters that look lovely. Yarrow brings in many helpful insects, like parasitic wasps and hoverflies, which help control aphid numbers. It’s also a favorite for bees, making it great for pollination in your garden.
Borage: If you want to attract lots of bees, borage is the flower to choose! This simple herb produces pretty blue, star-shaped flowers that draw in bees and other pollinators. The leaves are also helpful for the soil, adding nutrients when they break down. I’ve found that my zucchini plants grow better when borage is nearby because of all the extra pollination.
To get the most out of these helpful flowers, here are some tips:
Plant in Groups: Putting flowers together makes it easier for beneficial insects to find them in your garden.
Mix It Up: Don’t just plant one kind of flower! A variety of different species can attract more helpful insects.
Choose Local Flowers: Picking flowers that are native to your area can be very effective because they are usually better suited to the local environment.
With these flowers in your garden, you’ll create a lively space that helps your plants thrive! Happy gardening!