Welcome back to Can You Dig It?, your monthly roadmap for growing food in Western New England.
June is a momentous month for food growers in our area, with this month’s yield from all that spring planting just beginning to show what harvest can be like in our zone 6 temperature region. But let’s not forget that with every bit of growth, there is the potential downside of the pests and disease that comes with it IF you haven’t put some thought into creating an insect contingent that can work to your benefit.
Here are 7 insects/bugs that you must try to attract to your garden, and what will bring them into your space(s).
7 Insect Cheat Code:
Lady Beetles (aka lady bugs) – attracted to Yarrow, Dill, Fennel, Marigolds, Calendula, Sweet Alyssum
Lacewings – attracted to Dill, Fennel, Yarrow, Angelica, Coreopsis, Cosmos, Sweet Alyssum
Hoverflies – plant Dill, Fennel, Parsley, Yarrow, Alyssum, Cosmos, or Marigolds to attract
Parasitic Wasps – plant Dill, Fennel, Mint, Thyme, Cilantro, Sunflowers, Yarrow
Ground Beetles – provide ground cover like clover and use organic mulch (straw, leaves, wood chips) to create shelter
Bees (native and honeybees) – native plants like Wild Bergamot, Butterfly Weed, Wild Geranium, plus herbs like Lavender, Thyme, and Borage
Dragonflies – a water feature like a small pond or birdbath is the most effective way to attract them
Plant Attraction Strategy
Spring (Planting & Prep)
● Start seeds indoors of annuals like dill, cilantro, and sunflowers to get a jump on the season.
● Direct sow seeds of hardy annuals like sweet alyssum, cosmos, and calendula after the last frost.
● Plant native perennials like wild geranium, butterfly weed, and foxglove beardtongue.
Summer (Maintenance)
● Ensure consistent water for your insectary plants, especially during dry spells.
● “Deadhead” flowers to encourage more flowers to form, extending the bloom period.
● Observe your garden regularly. Learn to identify the beneficial insects you see.
Fall (Habitat Prep)
● Let your garden “die back” naturally. Leave spent flower stalks, seed heads, and leaf litter in place over winter to provide essential shelter for overwintering insects and their eggs.
● Avoid cutting back perennials like echinacea and goldenrod until early spring.
Winter (Planning)
● Plan a “beneficial insect strip” in your vegetable garden, dedicating a border or a few beds specifically to host plants.
Thank you for your time, and as always, to ask any farm or gardening questions please reach out to: canyoudigit413@gmail.com ■