Attracting Insects to My Garden - A Guide
The UK is home to over 24,000 species of insects, and every one of them is vital for creating a healthy garden. From common flies buzzing around, to butterflies finding a colourful flower to take nectar from, there is so much life in our gardens, and it's about time we started helping them out!
If you're looking to create an insect-friendly green space, here are our top tips to help you attract butterflies, bees and other insects!
Creating an Insect-Friendly Garden
An insect-friendly garden doesn't have to be overgrown; it needs to be balanced. With some wild areas, shelter and providing food, insects will thrive!
Grow Native Plants & Wildflowers to attract insects to your garden
One of the most efficient ways to support insects is through adding native plants and wildflowers to your outside space. They provide nectar, pollen and nesting sites for pollinating insects, like bees, butterflies and hoverflies. Planting the right flowers can even help attract moths!
A mix of flowers that bloom at different times of year will ensure insects have a continuous food source from early spring through to late autumn. Our Bee Wildflower mix is perfect for beginners! Fruit trees are also perfect for supporting a range of wildlife, including many insects.
Create Log Piles
Leaving small piles of logs or branches in a quiet corner of your garden creates the perfect habitat for beetles and other insects. As the wood slowly breaks down, it becomes a valuable home for species that rely on decaying material.
Leave a Wild Area
Not every part of your garden needs to be perfectly maintained. Allowing a section to grow a little wild, with long grass, wildflowers, leaf litter, or even just less frequent mowing, can provide shelter and breeding spaces for beautiful insects.
Add a Bug Hotel
Bug hotels offer safe nesting spaces for solitary bees and other insects. They’re especially useful in smaller gardens where natural habitats might be limited. Placing one in a sunny, sheltered spot can quickly attract a variety of species.
Create a Wildlife Pond
Even a small pond can make a big difference. Water attracts a wide range of insects, including dragonflies and damselflies, and provides a place for them to breed. Adding shallow edges or stones will help insects safely access the water.
Add a Compost Heap
A compost heap is a haven for insects that help break down organic matter. Not only does this support biodiversity, but it also improves your soil, making it a win for both your garden and wildlife.
What Beneficial Insects Might You Attract?
By creating a variety of habitats, you’ll begin to notice a diverse mix of insects visiting your garden, each playing an important role in your garden’s ecosystem.
Solitary Bees
Alongside mason bees, bumblebees and honeybees, these important pollinators help flowers, fruit, and vegetables thrive.
Butterflies
Attracted to nectar-rich plants and warm, sunny spots.
Moths
Often overlooked, but vital night-time pollinators
Hoverflies
Excellent for controlling aphids and often mistaken for wasps
Ladybirds
Natural predators of aphids and other garden pests
Beetles
Ground beetles and stag beetles help with decomposition,
Dragonflies & Damselflies
Commonly found near water, feeding on smaller insects
Ants
Important for soil health and maintaining balance in the ecosystem
The more habitats you create, the more diverse your garden will become. You may notice more bees visiting your flowers, and eventually, it will be a thriving garden filled with movement, colour and the quiet buzz of insects.
By making small, simple changes, you’re not just improving your garden, you’re helping support the wider environment and the other wildlife that depends on it.
