APHIDS!!!!

Gardening has its stages: first you dream, then you shop, bring home more than you planned, plant, water, breathe a sigh of satisfaction, and sit in your yard to enjoy the beauty you've created. Then… aphids.

Aphids are the number one garden pest every season, and they drive us mad. One of the best ways to manage and prevent aphids naturally is to create a habitat that attracts ladybugs. This really starts with your fall cleanup.

Although I prefer a slightly wilder aesthetic, many people love a perfectly manicured yard. Unfortunately, that can make it difficult for ladybugs to find suitable places to overwinter. When cleaning up leaves and grass clippings, be sure to leave a few small piles or areas of leaf mulch near your garden. These provide shelter for ladybugs and other beneficial insects. This way, when spring arrives, many of these helpful garden allies are already in your yard.

Another pro tip for increasing your ladybug population is to plant with diversity in mind (think of an English-style cottage garden). A mix of annuals and perennials provides a variety of food sources and shelter throughout the growing season, encouraging ladybugs to stay in your garden rather than move elsewhere in search of resources. Plants with small flowers, such as yarrow, dill, alyssum, and cilantro, are great additions because they provide nectar and pollen for adult ladybugs.

Adding native plants such as yarrow, monarda, goldenrod, and native roses can also help attract ladybugs and create a more natural ecosystem. Diverse plantings support a wider range of insects, providing a steady food supply for ladybugs and helping to maintain a healthy balance in the garden.

The result? Those pesky aphids are kept in check without the use of pesticides that can harm pollinators and other beneficial insects.