by David Cook, University of Tennessee Extension Agent for Davidson County, Tennessee
David Cook’s presentation to the Nashville Rose Society introduces the plants that attract beneficial insects to gardens and landscapes and identifies specific beneficial insects and mites that feed on other insects that damage plants.
Do you know the basic necessities for beneficial insects? Like other living creatures, they need food, water and shelter. Since many of the beneficials are tiny or have short mouth parts, offer them tiny flowers with short nectaries, and grow a variety of flowers that bloom at different times.
To learn more about beneficial insect, click here for David’s complete presentation, and here for a list of beneficial insect reference materials.