'Good Bug' Mix

An important strategy for organic gardeners is to enhance and maximise the natural biological controls already present in a garden ecosystem. Does your garden provide a nectar source for beneficial, pest-controlling insects? Planting particular flowers and herbs known as insectary plants has been proven to improve the natural balance and reduce pest outbreaks.

Good Bug Mix contains colourful re-seeding annual and perennial flowers including red clover, alyssum, cosmos, marigolds, Queen Anne's Lace, buckwheat, lucerne, dill, caraway, coriander and phacelia (when available), gypsophila. It blooms much of the year, providing nectar, pollen and habitat for wild and introduced beneficial insects, such as predatory mites and tiny micro wasps, ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies, tachnid flies and predatory beetles. These beneficial insects or 'good bugs' are generally small with correspondingly small mouthparts, so they are only able to feed on particular flowers with suitable attributes. By providing a plentiful food supply the 'good bugs' live longer and reproduce more.

Good Bug Mix addresses the issue of over-use of pesticides and the increasing chemical residues in the environment by fostering public awareness of the existence of beneficial insects as a natural biological control for pest insects. It is the insect equivalent of planting native flowering shrubs for birds or building ponds to create habitat for frogs.
It should be planted in areas that can go a little wild, such as garden edges or along fence lines. Generally, you need only plant 1-5% of your land for good results. Each small packet covers 10 m². It is suitable for subtropical and temperate areas. Sow spring and autumn.