As a gardener, what comes to mind when you hear the word “insects”? You’re probably thinking pests – the relentless munchers, the sap-sucking villains, the tiny terrors that threaten to undo all your hard work. It’s a common misconception, but the truth is far more nuanced. While some insects undeniably pose a threat to our precious plants, a vast and vibrant world of six-legged creatures actually serves as our allies, silently working to create a healthier, more resilient garden ecosystem.

With Large Planters, where space is often limited and the plant selection is entirely within your control, thoughtful planter design can transform these contained environments into irresistible havens for the very insects you wish to attract. We have added a complete section for planters below.

But the basics first. Not all insects are pests. In fact, many are incredibly beneficial for your landscaped garden, while others are entirely harmless and don’t even warrant removal. Understanding these crucial distinctions can transform your gardening approach, moving from a battle against nature to a collaboration with it. Generally, beneficial insects in your garden fall into three vital categories: pollinators, predators, and parasitizers.

Pollinators, Predators and Parasitizers

• Pollinators: These are the unsung heroes of the garden, the “garden-friends” without whom our plants simply wouldn’t thrive. They are the essential workers responsible for pollinating our flowers, fruits, and vegetables, facilitating the reproduction that leads to bountiful harvests and vibrant blooms.
• Predators: Consider these your garden’s elite guard dogs. These insects actively hunt and consume other insects, specifically targeting and getting rid of the pests that would otherwise damage your plants. They are natural pest control in action.
• Parasitizers: While sharing a similar goal to predators, parasitizers operate in a more intricate and, to some, scarier way. They are master strategists, laying their eggs on or within the bodies of “bad bugs.” When these eggs hatch, the larvae feed on the host insect, ultimately leading to its demise. This highly specialised form of biological control is incredibly effective.

Let’s delve deeper into some of the most commonly known and valuable beneficial insects you can invite into your green space.

The Buzz of Life: Essential Pollinators

Pollinators are the lifeblood of most gardens, responsible for the vital transfer of pollen that enables plants to produce seeds and fruits. Without them, our harvests would dwindle and our flowerbeds would lack their vibrant display.

• • Bees: When you think of pollinators, bees are likely the first insects that come to mind, and for good reason. There are countless types of bees, from the familiar honeybees and bumblebees to a myriad of solitary native bees, and all are exceptional pollinators. They collect nectar and pollen, inadvertently transferring pollen from flower to flower as they forage, ensuring successful plant reproduction.
  • Butterflies: These enchanting insects, with their delicate wings and graceful flight, spend much of their lives flitting from flower to flower. While perhaps not as efficient as bees at carrying large amounts of pollen, their extensive visits make them significant contributors to pollination, especially for flowers with open, accessible nectaries.
  • Moths: Often overlooked, moths are the nocturnal counterparts to butterflies, playing a crucial role in pollinating flowers that bloom during nighttime hours. Many night-blooming plants have evolved to attract moths, often possessing pale, fragrant flowers that stand out in the moonlight.
  • Flies: We’re not referring to the typical house fly that buzzes around your kitchen. Rather, we are speaking of highly specialized flies such as Black Soldier flies, tachinid flies, syrphid flies (hoverflies), and bee flies. In fact, various fly species are second only to bees in their overall contribution to pollinating plants, performing this essential service across a wide range of ecosystems.

Your Garden’s Guardians: Predatory Insects

Predators are the frontline defence against pest outbreaks, working tirelessly to keep pest populations in check and minimize damage to your plants.

• Ladybugs (Lady Beetles): Ladybugs are arguably one of the best-known and most beloved garden predators. Both the distinctive adult beetles and their alligator-like larvae are voracious feeders, primarily targeting soft-bodied pests such as aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. A single ladybug larva can consume dozens of aphids in a day, making them incredibly effective biological control agents.
• Lacewings: With their delicate, translucent wings, lacewings are beautiful additions to the garden, but their larvae are truly formidable predators. Often referred to as “aphid lions,” lacewing larvae are insatiable feeders, preying on a wide array of soft-bodied pests and their eggs, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and small caterpillars.
• Praying Mantis: These iconic insects are ambush predators, perfectly camouflaged and patiently waiting to snatch unsuspecting prey. Praying mantises are generalist predators, meaning they will prey on both good and harmful insects. While they can occasionally consume beneficial insects, their overall impact on controlling larger pests like grasshoppers, crickets, and larger caterpillars makes them a valuable presence in many gardens.

The Covert Operatives: Parasitic Insects

Parasitizers offer a highly targeted and often discreet form of pest control, making them invaluable allies for gardeners seeking sustainable solutions.

• Parasitic Wasps: These tiny, non-stinging wasps are some of the most effective and beneficial insects in the garden. Despite their name, most parasitic wasps are incredibly small and pose no threat to humans. There are thousands of different species of parasitic wasps, each often specializing in preying on one or more specific pest insects. They work by laying their eggs inside or on the body of a host pest. When the eggs hatch, the developing wasp larvae consume the host from within, ultimately killing it. They are known to parasitize over 200 species of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, and scale insects, providing an incredibly efficient and natural form of pest control in your garden.

Here are some examples of Predators:

• Ladybugs – Ladybugs are one of the best-known garden predators. Adults and larvae feed on soft-bodied pests such as aphids.
• Lacewing – Same with ladybugs, they feed on soft-bodied pests and eggs.
• Praying Mantis – These insects attack other insects without destroying your plants. They will prey on both good and harmful insects though.

 

 

For parasitizers, the most common would be the parasitic wasps. These tiny, non-stinging wasps are some of the most beneficial insects in the garden and are known to parasitize over 200 species of pests. Though there are tons of different species of parasitic wasps, they all work by preying on one or more pest insects. They will help you with pest control in your garden.

Do you know of any other helpful insects in the garden? Let us know in the comments.

Enhancing Your Oasis: Inviting Beneficial Insects into a Planter Garden

The key to attracting beneficial insects to your planters lies in offering them three essential resources: food (nectar and pollen), water, and shelter. By incorporating specific plants and features into your planter arrangements, you can create miniature ecosystems that support these invaluable garden allies.

Floral Buffets: Planting for Nectar and Pollen

The primary attractant for many beneficial insects, especially pollinators and adult predators/parasitizers, is a consistent supply of nectar and pollen. When choosing plants for your planters, prioritize those known for their insect-friendly blooms.

• Diversity is Key: Just as humans enjoy a varied diet, different beneficial insects are attracted to different flower shapes, sizes, and colours. Aim for a mix of flower types to cater to a broader range of species.
• Flat-topped Clusters: Plants with umbelliferous (umbrella-shaped) flower heads, like dill, fennel, cilantro (coriander), and parsley allowed to bolt, are perfect for tiny parasitic wasps and predatory flies. Their small, accessible flowers provide easy access to nectar. Consider growing these herbs in their own dedicated planter or as part of a larger mixed container.
• Daisy-like Flowers: Composites such as calendula, cosmos, zinnias (especially single-petal varieties), and sunflowers (dwarf varieties for planters) offer landing pads and a rich source of pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
• Tube-shaped Flowers: While some tube-shaped flowers might be harder for smaller insects to access, those with wider openings or shallower tubes, such as salvia, snapdragons, and penstemons, are great for bumblebees and butterflies with longer proboscises.
• Open, Single Flowers: Avoid overly “double” or highly bred flowers that have many petals but little accessible pollen or nectar. Opt for simpler, single-petal varieties that make it easy for insects to reach the floral rewards.

• Continuous Bloom: Planters can be designed for succession planting, ensuring there’s always something in bloom throughout the growing season. This provides a continuous food source, encouraging beneficial insects to establish and remain in your planters. Start with early spring bloomers, follow with summer stalwarts, and finish with autumn flowers.
• Native Plants: Whenever possible, incorporate native plants into your planters. These plants have co-evolved with local beneficial insect species, often providing the most suitable and preferred food sources. Research native plant options that thrive in containers in your region.
• Herbaceous Plants: Many culinary herbs, when allowed to flower, are excellent insect attractants. Beyond dill and cilantro, consider oregano, thyme, mint (in a separate container as it can be invasive), borage, and lavender. These add fragrance and beauty while serving a vital ecological purpose.

Hydration Stations: Providing Water Sources

Insects, like all living creatures, need water. While dew or rain might suffice in larger garden beds, water can evaporate quickly from planters, especially during hot, dry periods.

• Shallow Water Dishes: Place a shallow dish or saucer of water with some pebbles or marbles in it within or near your planters. The pebbles provide a safe landing spot for insects to drink without drowning. Replenish the water daily.
• Moisture-Retentive Potting Mix: While not a direct water source for drinking, a good quality, moisture-retentive potting mix helps maintain a slightly more humid microclimate around the plants, which can be beneficial for some insects.
• Dripping Faucets or Misters: If you have an outdoor faucet or irrigation system nearby, a slow drip or a fine mist can also attract insects seeking hydration, though this might be less practical for standalone planters.

Safe Havens: Offering Shelter and Nesting Sites

Beneficial insects need places to rest, hide from predators, and, for some, even lay their eggs. Planters, despite their confined nature, can be designed to offer these crucial elements.

• “Wild” Corners: Resist the urge to keep your planters perfectly manicured. A small patch of undisturbed soil, a few leaf litter pieces, or even a small clump of unpruned stems can offer valuable refuge for ground beetles, spiders, or overwintering lacewings.
• Layered Planting: Create a multi-tiered planter with plants of varying heights and foliage densities. Taller plants can provide shade and cover, while denser groundcover plants offer hiding spots at the base.
• Insect Hotels (Small Scale): While large insect hotels are for garden beds, miniature versions can be incorporated into larger planters. A small bundle of hollow stems (like bamboo pieces or dried sunflower stalks) secured in a corner can provide nesting tubes for solitary bees. A few drilled logs can also serve this purpose.
• Companion Planting for Shelter: Some plants, by virtue of their dense foliage, can offer shelter. Consider adding a small ornamental grass or a compact, bushy herb like rosemary to a large planter alongside your flowering plants.

Avoiding Harm: What NOT to Do

To truly foster a beneficial insect population in your planters, it’s equally important to avoid practices that could harm them.

• Eliminate Pesticides: This is paramount. Even “organic” pesticides can be detrimental to beneficial insects. Embrace biological control and manual removal as your primary pest management strategies. A healthy beneficial insect population will naturally keep most pest issues in check.
• Avoid Neonicotinoid-Treated Plants: When purchasing plants for your planters, inquire if they have been treated with neonicotinoids, systemic pesticides that are highly toxic to bees and other pollinators. Choose plants from nurseries committed to pollinator-friendly practices.
• Patience is a Virtue: Building a thriving beneficial insect population takes time. Don’t expect instant results. Continue to provide the necessary resources, and your planters will gradually become bustling hubs of insect activity.

By thoughtfully selecting plants and incorporating small, supportive features, your planters can become vibrant micro-habitats that not only beautify your space but also actively contribute to the health and resilience of your entire garden ecosystem. Embrace these tiny allies, and watch your garden flourish.