Gardening for insects

Insects are often underappreciated for the work they do. They are a source of food for birds, bats, frogs, and small mammals, play their part in decomposition and provide us with nutrient rich soil.

The more habitats you have in your garden, the greater the diversity of insects you will attract to your garden. 

Each garden is a mini ecosystem, and the creatures within it determine what thrives, survives, deteriorates or dies.

While it can sometimes be frustrating, the wildlife gardener needs to adopt a 'live and let live' philosophy which means allowing a balance of good and bad insects to exist for their mutual benefit.

You can support the insects in your garden by:

• Building a bug hotel
• Refraining from using pesticides
• Composting
• Leaving areas of longer grass in corners and edges
• Controlling slugs and snails organically