I've been having some trouble with worms and bugs damaging my tomatoes and cucumbers in the garden. I'm trying to avoid using chemicals for pest control, so I'm on the lookout for beneficial insects that can help manage these pests naturally. I already have a yellow garden spider near my peppers, and I know that ladybugs and lacewings are good options. What other helpful critters can I introduce or attract to my garden to tackle this issue?
3 Answers
Consider adding praying mantises to your garden! Just make sure to get a non-invasive kind. Additionally, you could sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plants, which is a natural pest deterrent. Just be cautious around your bees when introducing mantises, maybe keep them away from those areas to avoid any problems.
Be cautious about buying insects for your garden; many are either taken from their natural habitats or are invasive species. Your best bet is to provide a welcoming environment for local predators by offering the right plants and habitats. I've had success attracting various wasps and dealing with common pests like hornworms simply by enhancing my garden's biodiversity.
To really boost your garden's pest control, think about creating areas with native plants where various beneficial insects like wasps, mantids, and even birds can thrive. Just be prepared for some wasps, as they can be the main predators of pests. They tend to be pretty chill, though, and I've managed to coexist with them quite well over the years. Set up water sources like bird baths and brush piles for habitats, and you should see a healthy ecosystem develop!
That's a good point! If I do decide to introduce a couple of mantises, I’ll definitely place them in spots far from the bees.