beneficial bugs

8 Insects That Actually Help in Fall Gardens

October 18, 2025 by Brandon Marcus Leave a Comment

Fall might seem like the time when gardens start slowing down, but don’t put away your gloves just yet—and definitely don’t swat at every bug you see. While we often associate insects with chewed-up leaves and plant damage, there’s an entire squad of tiny allies working overtime once the temperatures drop. These unsung heroes protect…

Ladybugs Versus Asian Lady Beetles

October 12, 2020 by Steph Coelho Leave a Comment

Gardeners—especially those new to the hobby—may find it tough to distinguish between bad bugs and beneficial insects. It can take some time to get a hang of which bugs to leave alone and which to squish dead. Unfortunately, some good garden bugs have evil lookalikes. Case in point: ladybugs versus Asian lady beetles. How…

How To Get Free Seeds From The Government by Amanda Blankenship Seeds might seem like a small expense, but any seasoned…
Should I Use Enviro Ice On My Plants? by Kathryn Vercillo Every week, I receive food from Hungryroot. It's a great…
From Trash to Treasure: Transform Shredded Paper Into Garden Gold by Amanda Blankenship Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? It might…
What Happens to Plants If You Use Enviro Ice on Them? by Amanda Blankenship About a year ago, I wrote our first article about…

The Late Frost Risk: Why Some Regions Still Need Protection

Spring struts in with bright blooms and longer days, yet it often carries a sneaky trick up its sleeve—a late frost that can wipe out tender plants in a single chilly night. Garden beds that looked lush and promising at sunset can greet the morning with wilted leaves and blackened stems. That sudden reversal frustrates…

10 Selections That Attract Bees, Butterflies, and Beneficial Insects

Bright wings, gentle buzzing, and a garden that practically hums with life—this isn’t a fantasy, it’s a smart planting strategy. The right mix of flowers doesn’t just look good; it transforms an ordinary yard into a thriving ecosystem that works overtime for you. Bees improve pollination, butterflies add beauty, and beneficial insects quietly tackle pests…

5 Soil Additions That Improve Results Within Weeks

Gardens rarely fail because plants lack effort; they fail because soil quietly underperforms beneath the surface. Strong, thriving plants always start with living, nutrient-rich soil that supports roots like a dependable foundation. When soil lacks structure, nutrients, or microbial life, even the best seeds struggle to shine. The good news arrives quickly for anyone willing…

Why Tomatoes Grow Leaves but Delay Fruit Production

Tomato plants often look like overachievers early in the season, bursting with lush green leaves that promise a future of juicy harvests. Then the waiting game begins—and somehow, those fruits refuse to show up on schedule. That leafy explosion might look impressive, but it often signals an imbalance that keeps plants focused on growth instead…