Sustainable Gardening the Wild Way

-First consider cultural, then physical and biological controls for garden pests. Choose the least-toxic options and use judiciously because pesticides can kill helpful insects. 

Scelionid parasitoid wasp and stink bug eggs.

 David Cappaert, Michigan State University

Click here to learn more - https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/ENTO/ENTO-74/ENTO-74-pdf.pdf

-Conserve biological control agents such as predators and the parasitoids that feed on insect pests.

http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74140.html

- Create or maintain habitat for garter snakes.  Large pieces of wood or large rocks provide shelter.

Snakes are terrific garden helpers, controling slugs and insects.  Some help with rodent control also.

-Walk through your yard before mowing to scare any snakes away from deadly mower blades.

Learn more here.  https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/snakes-slither-through-garden-eating-slugs-grubs-other-pests

Many insects have been brought to the US as Biological Control Agents. Watch for these helpers on Tansy ragwort.

Cinnabar moth, adult and larvae OSU Ext.

Tansy ragwort flee beetle

Ragwort seed fly      

More about Tansy ragwort biocontrol here - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pests-weeds-diseases/weeds/tansy-ragwort

Plant flowers that support native beneficial insects – 

Angelica

Asters

Yarrow

Coreopsis

Cosmos

Clover

Gillia

Phacelia 

Russian sage and many more.  Check the links below for more ideas.  https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/sites/catalog/files/project/pdf/pnw550.pdf

https://portlandnursery.com/resources/attracting-beneficials/

Gillia