Post date: May 31, 2020 2:19:35 AM
Notes on beneficial plants
Uma Sashikanth
Visitors to my yard have asked me about the bronze fennels, comfrey, calendula, dill and nasturtium plants. These are part of the pest control strategies.
Integrated pest management is an elaborate topic in itself, but here are some pointers. There are five common sets of plants you must consider.
First, plants with tiny florets that most insects with tiny mouths can feed on. They attract an entire guild of beneficial insects. Every plant in the carrot family does this - coriander, dill, yarrow, fennel. These plants enable control of most pests at your yard. For example, fennel attracts parasitic wasps that decimate flea bugs.
Second, plants that provide pollen. Pollen is a great source of protein for beneficial insects. I grow corn only for the abundant pollen it provides. Even a simple evening primrose will provide enough pollen and attract the beneficial predators that will control your pest populations.
Third, plants that have extra floral nectaries or sources of food outside the flowers. One sweet potato creeper can host every possible friendly insect you need for all of summer, with the nectar on the underside of its leaves.
Fourth, plants that are traps for pests and keep the main crop protected. Marigolds, amaranthus are all important trap crops. They grow rapidly and can be used extensively to keep pests off other crops.
Fifth, aromatics that confuse and camouflage. Ginger, garlic, onion, dill, herbs must be planted across the yard to mislead pest populations about the location of the plants.
Your yard must include in its design a variety of crops, grown to the season, and grown to attract protectors of your plants.
Simply planting flowers with vegetables is called chocolate box ecology. Pretty, but not helpful. Choose wisely.
When you find that your coriander and bokchoi have bolted in the Spring, don’t rush to bring them down. Coriander alone will protect your entire garden from every pest of the Spring, with its cutest white flowers.
Also, not all plants in your yard must serve your needs and food preferences. Allow for plants that help the garden and feed birds, insects and other life forms that will help you and your garden.