Master Gardener

by John Pascarella

Good Bugs in the Garden Not every bug in your garden is a bad bug. Some of them are there eating the bugs that are eating your plants. 

Knowing which ones to keep will help you decide if you need to do more to control pests. A few of the beneficial insects in the garden are well known. These include the ladybug and the praying mantis. Others are so small or resemble other insects that you may never know they are there. By keeping toxic chemicals out of your garden, you allow beneficial insects to increase. 

More often than not, beneficials are affected to a greater extent than the insect you were trying to control with a pesticide. There are many ways to control pests that will help protect beneficials. 

Hand picking and removing weak plants that are heavily infested with pests will help keep pests in check. Barriers, such as floating row covers or baited traps are also effective. These methods will also help with occasional outbreaks once your garden is beneficial friendly.

*To read John’s full column, pick up a copy of the June 7 issue of the Southland Voice*