Choosing a Spot

You might select an area close to crops that you are hoping will benefit from the beneficial insects you attract, or you might choose a spot that isn’t currently being used. You could also interplant beneficial habitat plants with other plants. Be cautious about placing your beneficial insect habitat too close to areas where pesticides are regularly used. It may be easier to find plants for beneficial insects that will thrive in partial to full sun, instead of shade. 

Regardless of the spot you choose, you should take note of the following: 

• How sunny or shady is your spot? 

• How wet or dry is the soil? 

• Do you want to grow annuals, perennials, or both types of plants? 

• Do you want this space to look neat and tidy or a bit wild? 

• What is the approximate size of the area you want to plant? 

The answers to these questions will be important in the following steps:

• Step 2. Choose the plants
• Step 3. Manage weeds
• Step 4. Plant