By Donne Gonzales, NMAA Farm Trainer, and the Sembradores Team
We all know that pollinators play a HUGE role in our gardens, orchards, and everyday lives. From bees to butterflies, these small creatures are essential for the health of our ecosystems. But beyond the well-known pollinators, there are many other beneficial insects that contribute to the balance and vitality of our garden spaces.
It’s important to appreciate ALL the bugs. Even those that may not be as cute as ladybugs or butterflies. Spiders, green lacewings, and praying mantises are some really cool garden helpers that we have around. They can be used for pest management and maintaining a healthy environment.
- Spiders are natural pest controllers. They feed on a wide variety of garden pests, including aphids, flies, and caterpillars. By keeping insect populations in check, spiders help reduce the need for chemical pesticides and promote ecological balance. Orb weever Spiders are beautiful and really like to be in the garden! Jumping spiders are the cutests and also really like to help out (they are really gentle). Fun Fact: Spider webs can also be used as a bandage, it can help with clotting blood, and are believed to have antiseptic and antifungal properties!!!
- Green lacewing bugs are known for their delicate, transparent wings. They are fierce even in their baby phase, and can eat up to 200 aphids a day!
- Praying mantises are known as the wolf of the garden! They can feed on many garden pests. Though they are generalists and may eat both harmful and beneficial insects, they contribute to a balanced ecosystem when left undisturbed. Once you know what a praying mantis egg looks like, you can relocate to the best space in the garden and they will grow/thrive.
Take time to observe your garden closely. It’s best to think like a toddler at this time. Put on your wonder/curiosity lens. Get down on the ground, eye level with plants, and notice what bugs you have around. What are they eating? How are they interacting with their surroundings? Do they seem healthy/ happy?
Always be so gentle & teach your little humans/ people this! Bugs are sacred & they are usually scared of us!
Plant Flowers!
Flowers are a wonderful way to attract and support pollinators and bugs. Perennial flowers, which return year after year and sometimes spread naturally, are my favorite. However, annuals also have their place. Wild sunflowers, for instance, are among my favorites. I often leave the stalks standing through the fall and winter so birds can enjoy the seeds—many of which fall to the ground and sprout new plants in the spring. It always feels like a win-win for me, the bugs, and the birds<3
Pollinators are drawn to fragrant, brightly-colored flowers that are easy to find. By planting a diverse array of flowers, you can create a welcoming space for a wide range of pollinators and beneficial insects.
Key or Common Beneficial Insects in Northern NM
- Ladybugs
- Praying mantises
- Bees
- Dragonflies
- Butterflies
- Earthworms
- Green lacewings
- Spiders
Key or Common Beneficial Plants and “Weeds” in Northern NM
- Dandelion
- Red clover
- Milkweed
- Grindelia
- Plumajillo
- Stinging nettles
- Vervain
- Sow thistles
- Wild pea
- Quelites
- Chicoyole
- Verdolagas
By recognizing and nurturing all forms of life in our gardens—both the beautiful and sometimes scary—we foster a space of abundance, resilience, and interconnectedness. Welcome the bugs and let your garden thrive!
Leave a Reply