Introducing Insectary Plants for Your Garden (video)

By Cooking Up a Story

Growing food comes with its price. One of them being who is going to get the food you grow first, you or the wildlife? Actually, many sunflower farmers have this challenge too. Several have said you have to plant enough for the birds too, for you can’t keep them away.

A big problem for most home gardeners is how to keep insects like aphids, mites, and caterpillars from eating and destroying a crop. Growing insectary plants would be a good start. It’s purpose is to attract beneficial insects which feed upon insects that might be damaging your garden.

Master Gardener Jen Aron talks about the different insectary plants she has in her garden and some of the beneficial insects they attract. Not only is an insectary garden beneficial to your plants, it’s beautiful to look at too.

Jen Aron, owner and operator of Peaceful Gardens, sustainable landscape design. OSU Extension Master Gardener, certified in Permaculture Design, have been teaching sustainable agriculture and Permaculture throughout the Portland area for the past two years, volunteer countless hours educating the Portland community about urban agriculture and sustainability.

Tags: beneficial insects, gardening, Growing & Raising Food, insectary, insectary garden, insectary plants, insects, predators