Kids Corner

What’s Bugging You?

Hopefully it’s the beneficial insects that we so love and adore in our garden.   The hornworms, white flies and aphids can lead some to believe that all they do is insect patrol.  Like lions stalking wildebeests on the plains of Africa, many of those insects that suck plants dry prey on the weak plants in your garden.  It is important to ensure your plants are healthy through proper watering, spacing and plant nutrition.  Healthy plants are better able to fight off diseases and pests.  In addition, keep an eye out for some beneficial insects such as lady beetles, which feed on aphids to their little hearts content.  The larvae are even more voracious than the adults, who are really only focused on finding a mate and reproducing.  Do a bit of research, and scan your plants for the real pests, then identify how best to eradicate those without harming beneficial insects, which include those that eat other pests, but those that are pollinators as well.

Looking for something fun to do in the garden with kids?

Plant some Milkweed to attract Monarch Butterflies or plant Dill and Fennel to attract the Tiger Swallowtail.  Any Milkweed that has Monarch Butterflies will soon be devoured by their larvae, aka, caterpillars.  Or, keep an eye out for the Cabbage Looper, a white butterfly that lays a single egg.

Educational gardens

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