Insects are part of a healthy garden
Every garden contains insects. Some gardeners try to eliminate them entirely, but insects are actually an essential part of a healthy garden ecosystem. Many insects are beneficial. They pollinate flowers, control pests, and help maintain balance within the garden.
Some examples
A few familiar examples:
- ✦Ladybugs help control aphids.
- ✦Dragonflies eat mosquitoes.
- ✦Birds rely on insects as a major food source.
Creating balance
Even insects that damage plants often play a role in the larger ecosystem. The most effective way to manage pests is usually not spraying or removing insects — it is creating a diverse garden environment where natural predators can thrive.
Notice the connections
Once you begin to notice insects in the garden, you start to see how interconnected everything is.