The best “pest” control in an organic garden

A healthy ecosystem!

I was concerned for the health of my milkweed. They were covered in yellow aphids. But as soon as I contemplated doing something about the tiny creatures Two ladybugs showed up and began the hunt.

Ladybugs, despite their cute name, are important predators in the garden. Ladybugs dine on plant-eating insects, such as aphids, and in doing so they help to protect crops.

Additionally, ladybugs lay eggs in the colonies of aphids and other plant-eating pests. When they hatch, the ladybug larvae immediately begin to feed.

praying mantis in the back garden

Another beneficial insect is the praying mantis. Praying mantis will eat just about any insect they can get. Though this includes other beneficial insects, so too many may not be good.

However, like all things, in moderation they are a great addition to the garden when trying to manage ‘pests’ without the use of pesticides.

See this Mother Earth news article for more information on praying mantis.

Spider in the back garden

Like praying mantis, spiders are also voracious insect eaters. Spiders will eat aphids, wasps and mosquitoes. Though they also will eat other beneficial insects too. So again, a balanced ecosystem is key.

And the best thing is, this will happen naturally if you plant a wide variety of native plant species.

See this HGTV article for more information on the benefits of spiders in the garden.