Garden Insects - Pests or Benefactors

When we’re working in the garden we notice that it seems to attract a lot of insects. Our first instinct can be that we don’t want to share our living space with a bunch of bugs. Before declaring war, though, take the time to identify the perceived enemy. The bug you want to eliminate may be spending it’s short life helping you maintain your beautiful garden.


There are beneficial insects as well as insect pests, and a gardener has to take the time to recognize the difference. Some plants and flowers depend on insects for pollination. Other insects are feeding on the insects that can cause problems later.


When insect pest invade your garden, you can see the damage from a distance. If you have to inspect your flowers at close range to identify tiny holes in the leaves, you probably don’t have a problem. Although early detection is the best defense against an infestation of insect pests that can devastate your garden, acting too soon can cause even more damage.


Protect you plants from stresses that could weaken them and make them more susceptible to damage from insect pests. Make sure that the garden soil provides good drainage. Add organic matter to the soil to make sure that the plants are getting the proper nutrients. Pay special attention to the moisture requirements of the garden plants and water the garden if the plants start to wilt or the soil appears too dry.


Insects in a healthy garden aren’t necessarily a problem. The balance of nature will keep the beneficial insects feeding on those pesty ones and keep the population in check. Be vigilant, but don’t start a war that doesn’t have to be fought.