Spring gardens are waking up across the Mountain West — and so are the insects that help our gardens thrive.

While many gardeners focus on getting rid of bugs, May is the perfect time to welcome the beneficial insects that naturally pollinate plants, improve harvests, and keep damaging pests under control.

A healthy garden is not insect-free.
It’s balanced.

Beneficial insects are some of the hardest-working members of the garden. They:

• Pollinate vegetables, flowers, and fruit trees
• Reduce aphids, tomato hornworms, spider mites, and other pests
• Improve biodiversity and garden resilience
• Help reduce the need for harmful pesticides

When we create habitat for beneficial insects, our gardens become healthier, more productive, and easier to maintain naturally.

Ladybugs are famous for devouring aphids and soft-bodied pests. One ladybug can eat dozens of aphids each day.

• Plant dill, fennel, yarrow, and calendula
• Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides
• Provide shallow water sources

These delicate green insects are incredible pest hunters. Their larvae feed on aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and small caterpillars.

• Plant cosmos, coreopsis, and alyssum
• Leave some garden areas undisturbed
• Reduce nighttime lighting around the garden

Hoverflies look similar to small bees or wasps, but they are harmless pollinators. Their larvae consume aphids in large numbers.

• Grow flat-topped flowers like yarrow and parsley
• Allow herbs to flower
• Plant a diversity of blooms throughout the season

Many native bees are even better pollinators than honeybees. They are essential for tomatoes, squash, berries, and fruit trees.

• Plant native flowering plants
• Leave small patches of bare soil
• Avoid pesticide sprays during bloom time

These tiny beneficial wasps help control tomato hornworms, cabbage worms, and other caterpillars naturally.

If you ever see white cocoons attached to a hornworm — leave it alone. Beneficial wasps are already doing the work for you.

• Plant dill, cilantro, fennel, and sweet alyssum
• Avoid chemical insecticides
• Allow some herbs to flower naturally

Flowers provide nectar and pollen that beneficial insects need for survival.

Choose:
• Native plants
• Drought-tolerant blooms
• Long-blooming flowers

Many pesticides kill both harmful and beneficial insects.

Instead:
• Handpick pests when possible
• Use targeted organic controls only when needed
• Focus on prevention and healthy soil

A shallow birdbath, dish with pebbles, or small fountain helps insects stay hydrated during hot Mountain West summers.

Small natural areas provide shelter for pollinators and predatory insects.

Leave:
• Some leaf litter
• Hollow stems
• Seed heads
• Undisturbed corners

May is one of the best times to:
✔ Plant warm-season vegetables
✔ Mulch garden beds before summer heat arrives
✔ Start deep watering practices
✔ Add pollinator-friendly flowers
✔ Watch for aphids and hornworms early

Remember: a few insects in the garden is normal. Nature works best when there is balance.

Great choices for Mountain West gardens:

• Yarrow
• Penstemon
• Blanket Flower
• Lavender
• Catmint
• Dill
• Fennel
• Sweet Alyssum
• Coreopsis
• Sunflowers

These plants provide beauty, pollinator support, and water-wise performance.

The healthiest gardens aren’t silent — they buzz with life.

Every bee, hoverfly, lacewing, and ladybug plays a role in creating a thriving ecosystem. By welcoming beneficial insects into the garden, we create stronger plants, healthier soil, and more resilient landscapes for the future.

*Woodstuff Landscape Supply
955 S 1950 W Springville Utah 84663
(801) 489-4777

*Special thanks to our sponsor Woodstuff Landscape Supply

The Sustainable Garden Newsletter is provided by Bloom Gardens

Happy Gardening!
Ramona
Bloom Gardens www.bloomgardens.org