Chumasande MatiwaneGardening isn’t just about the pretty flowers and tasty vegetables; it’s about nurturing a thriving ecosystem. The garden is home to a diverse array of life forms, both above and below the soil. Among these residents are the creepy crawlies, insects and other small creatures that play pivotal roles in maintaining your garden’s health.
These are some of the few crawlies to expect in your garden.
Earthworms
No garden is fully complete and thriving without earthworms. Although not as visually striking as butterflies or ladybirds, they are unsung heroes beneath your garden soil. These remarkable creatures act as nature’s gardeners, tirelessly enhancing soil structure and fertility by breaking down organic matter and creating channels for air and water to reach plant roots. To protect and promote earthworms in your garden, refrain from using chemical pesticides that can harm these beneficial creatures.
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Caterpillars
These pests can be fascinating in their own right. Even though they can wreak havoc on your garden by munching through leaves and stems. There are some important garden insects to have in your garden. While most transform into beautiful butterflies or moths, others cause significant damage. To manage caterpillar populations, inspect your plants regularly and handpick any culprits.
Spiders
One of the unexpected yet beneficial creatures in your garden’s ecosystem is particularly useful for controlling insect pests. Yes, they may not be insects but belong to the arachnid class. Spiders play a valuable role in natural pest management. They are carnivorous and feed primarily on insects, actively hunting and capturing various garden pests. Their presence can help keep pest populations in check, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
Ladybugs
Ladybugs are iconic garden allies. These small but mighty beetles are every gardener’s best friend. They might be small in size, but ladybugs are voracious predators when it comes to aphids and other bothersome garden pests. To welcome these delightful helpers, consider planting nectar-rich flowers such as marigolds or dill.
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Why these crawlies are beneficial for gardens
Most of these insects have adapted to life on land and are part of the decomposers of your garden, providing benefits to the garden:
- They promote healthy soil structures
- Support the roots of most plants
- Natural soil cleaners
- They maintain the garden’s defence
ALSO SEE: BENEFICIAL INSECTS FOR YOUR GARDEN: BOOSTING PLANTS’ HEALTH NATURALLY
Beneficial insects for your garden: Boosting plant health naturally
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