How Does Your Garden Grow?

There are over 40 garden pests that would love to eat your garden. But there are also some really good ones too! Depending on how you plant your garden, you are going to attract pests.

This year my husband and I grew a square foot garden with lots of companion planting (this will be another blog). Companion planting is beneificial because it promotes healthy growth, repels and attracts the right bugs, uses your space more efficiently, But most importantly, it attracts the pollinators.

When you think of pollinators you probably think of bees. But did you know there are other pollinators as well? Birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, and small mammals are also pollinators. They visit flowers to drink nectar or feed off of pollen and transport pollen grains as they move from spot to spot.

Because we chose to companion plant, we have not had any unwated pests. So far our garden is flourishing and providing us with beautiful vegetables. But here are some things you can plant near or in your garden to attract and repel the right bugs.

Many aromatic herbs, like yarrow, citronella, mint, fennel, catnip, basil, and lemongrass are natural deterrents for garden pests from aphids to potato beetles. As an added bonus, some of these herbs also attract the predators that keep pests under control. I aso use these to repel mosquitos from attacking my deck!

So next time you see a bug in your garden don't freak out. It may just be what is keeping your garden safe!