For the most part, a gardener and insects can work/live together without problems. There are times, however, that the gardener has to actively be aware of insects and how to avoid them. Here are some ideas for safe interaction between the herb gardener and the insects that live in the garden.
- Ants- Ants are attracted to the cool areas under pots and foliage or mulch. Avoid ants by moving containers regularly and lightly moving mulch with a hoe or garden weasel, every few days. Just an inch deep, is enough to make the ants move elsewhere. There are also organic ant baits that anyone can make, to keep their numbers to a minimum.
- Spiders- Garden spiders are some of the most beautiful specimens in the insect world. They are also highly beneficial with their bug eating ability. A gardener need not try to get rid of them in the garden, but knowing how to avoid them is always a good idea. Avoid reaching into dense foliage or large clumps of herbs, without looking carefully for telltale webs. Spiders are shy creatures, and will be trying to look out for YOU when they know you are in the garden.
- Bees and Wasps- Bees are another highly beneficial insect for every garden. Attracting bees is an important consideration when trying to garden organically. They are necessary for pollination and are a sign that you have created an oasis for nature. Be careful when reaching into and over flowering herbs that bees may be sitting on. Provide plenty of flowering plants and allow these friends of the garden to live peacefully.
Wasps are not held in the same regard as bees, however. In the driest part of the season, wasps will be attracted to water sources. Be aware of them and try to avoid these short tempered insects.
- Mosquitoes- These biting insects are the bane of anyone working out of doors in the summer months. To keep from being bitten, avoid the times of day that they are in highest numbers, dawn and dusk. Work in the garden early in the morning, but some sunshine on the garden will repel all but the most determined mosquitoes.
Plant things that naturally repel them. Yarrow and marigolds are both great for this. Yarrow tincture can also be sprayed on like bug spray. The pleasant smell will work surprisingly well. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, so keep buckets, pots and other containers emptied. If you garden in containers, add a capful of oil to the water. The oil will disburse and smother the larvae.
