Careers
Beneficial insects in the organic garden: a key to biodiversity and healthy harvests
The aim of a biogarden is not just to harvest delicious homegrown fruit and vegetables – it is also about the interaction between plants, animals and microorganisms. Beneficial organisms are a particularly important part of this natural ecosystem. These little helpers – from insects to birds to soil organisms – play a crucial role in promoting the health of your garden and creating a balance that does not require the use of chemicals. But why are beneficial insects so important, how can you encourage them, and why is this also important for wild biodiversity?
Beginner
4 minutes reading time
What are beneficial insects and why are they important?
Beneficial organisms are all those organisms that serve the garden in a positive way. They eat pests, pollinate flowers, improve soil quality or contribute to the decomposition of organic matter. Among the best-known beneficial organisms are:
- Ladybirds, which eat aphids and other pests.
- Hoverflies, whose larvae also eat aphids.
- bees that pollinate plants and thus increase yields.
- birds that eat harmful insects in the garden.
- earthworms that, by working the soil, promote soil life and loosen the earth.
The presence of these beneficial insects is a natural balancing mechanism that helps keep the garden healthy and counteracts pests in a natural way.
How do you create suitable biotopes for beneficial insects?
A biotope for beneficial insects is a habitat that meets the specific needs of these animals. Beneficial insects need shelter, food and water to thrive and do their work in the garden. There are many simple measures you can take to create an ideal habitat for beneficial insects in your organic garden.
A biotope for beneficial insects is a habitat that meets the specific needs of these animals. Beneficial insects need shelter, food and water to thrive and do their work in the garden. There are many simple measures you can take to create an ideal habitat for beneficial insects in your organic garden.
- Flowering plants for pollinators: plants such as lavender, sunflowers, dill, thyme and cornflowers offer both nectar and pollen and are therefore ideal for bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
- Shelter for insects: Insect houses or small shelters made of brushwood, logs or stones provide protection for wild bees, ladybirds and other beneficial insects.
- Habitats for birds: Birdhouses, nest boxes and fruit trees are a magnet for birds that eat harmful insects while beautifying the garden.
- Compost heaps and mulch: These promote the activity of earthworms and other soil organisms that loosen the soil and improve the nutrient supply to plants.
- Natural retreats: Leave corners of your garden to grow ‘wild’, with wild herbs, tall grasses and shrubs – this is a paradise for many beneficial insects that hide there or lay their eggs.
Why you should be relaxed around uninvited guests
Intensive agriculture often uses toxic substances to control pests, but these methods also harm the beneficial insects that live in the garden. A chemical-based approach is therefore not only harmful to the environment, but also unsustainable in the long term. However, in an organic garden, there are always ‘uninvited guests’ such as snails, aphids or caterpillars. But these can also have a place in the natural cycle – and often it is not necessary to act immediately.
Instead of fighting the pests directly, you should look at the bigger picture. A well-functioning ecosystem will regulate itself. Birds and beneficial insects will eat the pests, and the plants will develop a higher resistance to diseases. If intervention is necessary, it should be targeted and carried out using natural means – for example, by encouraging beneficial insects or using biological preparations.
Intensive agriculture often uses toxic substances to control pests, but these methods also harm the beneficial insects that live in the garden. A chemical-based approach is therefore not only harmful to the environment, but also unsustainable in the long term. However, in an organic garden, there are always ‘uninvited guests’ such as snails, aphids or caterpillars. But these can also have a place in the natural cycle – and often it is not necessary to act immediately.
Instead of fighting the pests directly, you should look at the bigger picture. A well-functioning ecosystem will regulate itself. Birds and beneficial insects will eat the pests, and the plants will develop a higher resistance to diseases. If intervention is necessary, it should be targeted and carried out using natural means – for example, by encouraging beneficial insects or using biological preparations.
The impact of intensive agriculture on wild biodiversity
Unfortunately, intensive agriculture has a significant impact on wild biodiversity. Monocultures, the use of pesticides and the destruction of habitats due to the expansion of agricultural land are leading to a dramatic decline in beneficial insects and other wildlife. Bees, butterflies and birds are under threat in many regions, and with them a valuable piece of nature is being lost.
In an organic garden, however, it is possible to preserve the natural habitat for these animals. By consciously avoiding chemicals and taking targeted measures to promote biodiversity, you are making an important contribution to protecting wild beneficial insects and the environment as a whole.
How organic gardening helps to maintain the population of beneficial insects
Organic gardening relies on natural methods and takes care to maintain the natural balance. By focusing on promoting beneficial organisms in your garden, you not only help your garden, but also the environment. Here are some ways you can help preserve wild beneficial organisms in your organic garden:
- Do not use synthetic pesticides and fertilisers: these not only harm pests, but also beneficial insects, birds and other creatures.
- Diversity instead of monoculture: by growing different plant species and varieties, you promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem and provide beneficial insects with new habitats.
- Composting and mulching: These practical gardening methods support soil life and contribute to soil fertility.
- Awareness of the needs of wildlife: Create retreats, waterholes and safe places for beneficial insects and wildlife in your garden.
Organic gardening relies on natural methods and takes care to maintain the natural balance. By focusing on promoting beneficial organisms in your garden, you not only help your garden, but also the environment. Here are some ways you can help preserve wild beneficial organisms in your organic garden:
- Do not use synthetic pesticides and fertilisers: these not only harm pests, but also beneficial insects, birds and other creatures.
- Diversity instead of monoculture: by growing different plant species and varieties, you promote a healthy, diverse ecosystem and provide beneficial insects with new habitats.
- Composting and mulching: These practical gardening methods support soil life and contribute to soil fertility.
- Awareness of the needs of wildlife: Create retreats, waterholes and safe places for beneficial insects and wildlife in your garden.
The organic garden as a refuge for beneficial insects
An organic garden is more than just a place where you can harvest fresh vegetables and fruit – it is a place where nature can flourish and where beneficial insects find their place. By creating habitats, promoting biodiversity and avoiding the use of chemicals, you are making a valuable contribution to the preservation of wild beneficial insects and the promotion of a healthy garden. The small ‘wild army’ of insects, birds and other helpers will thank you for it – with a rich harvest and a garden that stays alive all year round.
So, do something good for nature and create a home for beneficial insects in your garden too!
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