BRING ON THE garden super troopers

Avoid pesticides by attracting natural helpers to your garden, says Dr Anton Rosenfeld, knowledge officer of Garden Organic

- Dr Anton Rosenfeld

It is well established that a growing area full of diverse life will actually support rather than hinder your plants. This natural web of life which includes insects, fungi, small mammals and birds, interacts to create a healthy environment for plants to function and flourish. A garden devoid of biodiversity is akin to a dark and deserted town at night: pest and disease trouble moves into the void and there is nothing around to help.

So how do we encourage our friendly, natural, vigilante garden helpers?

Two important ways: first, avoid using pesticides. Spraying will often affect ‘off target species’; if you kill an aphid, you threaten a ladybird. Second, provide a good range of diverse habitats for shelter and food throughout the year. Choose plants which flower, provide pollen and fruit throughout the year, plus leaf and shrub cover for shelter and hibernation.

MOST COMMON HELPERS

There are many natural helpers in the garden. Many, such as hoverflies and ladybirds are widely recognised, but others such as birds, frogs and beetles deserve more attention.