Hey folks! I've recently jumped into vegetable gardening, and it's been a blast so far. I've also started planting flowers to attract more pollinators. While shopping for plants, I remembered the butterfly bush my parents had when I was a kid—it was amazing to see all the butterflies. So, I'm considering getting some gardening books to help attract butterflies and hummingbirds to my yard. However, I've been struggling to protect my zucchini from squash vine borers (SVBs) which I know come from moths. My question is: if I start planting flowers to attract butterflies, will that lead to caterpillars in my garden that could damage my veggies and flowers?
3 Answers
I think you'll be fine! Caterpillars tend to be pretty plant-specific. Butterflies usually lay their eggs on certain plants because that's what their caterpillars can eat. I have a pollinator garden alongside my vegetable patch and haven’t noticed any increase in pests on my veggies. Just keep in mind that squash vine borers are gonna come for your zucchini regardless, so they're a separate issue to tackle.
If you’re in the US, definitely think twice before getting a butterfly bush. It's considered a noxious weed in some areas and can harm native butterflies. Instead, focus on pollinator-friendly plants that butterflies like without endangering your veggies. With the right plants, you can create a thriving garden ecosystem without worrying about caterpillars munching on your crops.
We're working on several butterfly gardens for local species like the Monarch and Kamehameha. We're careful to keep them away from our veggie garden to prevent any potential caterpillar issues. The key is planting the right plants that caterpillars won't like, so your veggies stay safe!