Do lasagna gardens attract beneficial insects?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The lasagna gardening method creates an active ecosystem below ground. The organic layers are a magnet for earthworms, predatory beetles, and spiders. When the beetles made their way into my Nebraska garden, the aphids dropped by 60%. These little workers not only decompose the materials, but they seek and eat any unwelcome pests.
Soil Engineers
- Earthworms: Aerate soil and boost nutrient cycling
- Ground beetles: Devour slug eggs and cutworms
- Rove beetles: Target root maggots and fungus gnats
Pest Controllers
- Spiders: Trap aphids and mites in webs
- Ladybugs: Consume 50+ aphids daily
- Lacewings: Larvae eat soft-bodied pests
To safeguard your insect allies, steer clear of pesticides. I lost a colony of beetles after a heavy neem oil spray. Now, I either handpick the pests or apply soapy water sprays, but I am careful not to overdo it. Another option: Moisture-retentive layers such as those used for seedlings contribute to spider activity. Spiders helped resolve my cucumber beetle issue by 80% last season.
Pest Overpopulation
- Add more brown layers to slow decomposition
- Introduce ladybug larvae from local nurseries
- Plant nectar-rich flowers nearby
Low Insect Activity
- Bury banana peels to attract beetles
- Leave 12"x12" bare soil patches for ground nesters
- Maintain 40-60% moisture with drip lines
Lasagna beds imitate the natural forest floor where insects co-evolved. My clients in Maine notice that soldier beetles spend the winter months in the beds, and each spring the beetles emerge from their winter nests to patrol the beds for past control duty. For the best experience, consider layering materials seasonally, as garden autumn leaves harbor different insect species than summer's grass clippings.
Read the full article: Lasagna Gardening Method: 10 Essential Steps for Success
