Beneficial insects are those that feed on pests like aphids and beetles. The key to keeping beneficial insects is to avoid use of pesticides which kill the good with the bad (and are frequently bad for humans). For instance "if you consider that an adult ladybug eats about 50 aphids a day, you'll see that the accidental poisoning of even one beneficial sets your cause back a good way." (Urban Homesteading).
The following plants attract beneficial insects:
- Bee balm (Monarda sp)
- Perennial in zone 6
- Likes full sun and moist well drained soil
- Pink flower in photo to the right
- BHG growing guide
- Cilantro
- Evening primrose
- Perennial in zone 6
- Likes full sun
- Mexican evening primrose has less problems with invasiveness (Oenothera speciosa var.childsii)
- BHG growing guide
- Mustard
- Parsley
- Thyme
- French and Lemon thyme are perennials in zone 6
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