Want to attract more ladybugs to your garden and naturally reduce pests? You can easily do this by choosing specific plants and adopting simple gardening habits that create a welcoming environment for these beneficial insects.

By growing herbs like dill and fennel or planting garlic flowers, you increase the chances of ladybugs visiting your space. These plants not only provide food sources but also support the insects ladybugs feed on, helping you maintain a healthier garden.

1. Plant Dill

You can attract ladybugs by growing dill, which offers clustered flowers that serve as perfect landing spots. Ladybugs feed on aphids, so having dill nearby supports their presence for pest control. This herb also enriches your garden while drawing beneficial insects that help protect your plants naturally.

2. Add Fennel to Your Garden

Plant fennel to attract ladybugs with its fragrant leaves and nectar-filled small flowers. It creates a natural habitat while encouraging aphids, which serve as a food source for ladybug larvae. Including fennel supports both adult ladybugs and their young, making it a practical choice to enhance your garden’s ecosystem.

3. Include Yarrow in Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting yarrow, which offers flat clusters of flowers that provide both nectar and shelter. This plant supports beneficial insects and helps increase your garden’s biodiversity. Yarrow is also drought tolerant, making it a practical choice for various garden conditions.

4. Add Marigolds to Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting marigolds, which offer bright colors and nectar. These flowers help reduce pests like nematodes and whiteflies naturally. Marigolds serve as both an attractive and practical choice for encouraging ladybugs in your garden.

5. Incorporate Cosmos Into Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting cosmos, which offer abundant pollen and open blooms. These flowers also provide a suitable space for ladybugs to rest and reproduce. Cosmos require little care, making them a practical addition for supporting beneficial insects in your garden.

6. Add Tansy to Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting tansy, which produces clusters of small yellow flowers. This plant often draws aphids, providing a reliable food source for ladybugs. Keep in mind, tansy can spread quickly, so manage its growth carefully to maintain balance in your garden.

7. Grow Dandelions

You can support ladybugs early in the season by planting dandelions. These flowers provide important nectar and pollen when few other plants bloom. Including dandelions in your garden creates a natural food source that helps sustain ladybugs.

8. Add Cilantro to Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting cilantro, especially when it blooms. Its small flowers provide both nectar and a safe place for these insects. Including cilantro also encourages other beneficial predators, helping with pest management naturally.

9. Incorporate Coreopsis into Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting coreopsis, known for its bright, daisy-like blooms. These flowers offer nectar and spots for ladybugs to rest. Adding coreopsis also adds vibrant color while supporting beneficial insects effectively.

10. Include Fragrant Geraniums in Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting fragrant geraniums, which offer thick leaves and nectar that ladybugs favor. These plants help keep harmful insects away while inviting helpful ones. Adding scented geraniums enhances both the smell and ecological balance of your garden.

11. Avoid Using Chemical Sprays

You protect ladybugs by steering clear of chemical pesticides in your garden. These chemicals harm not only pests but also beneficial insects that support your plants. Choosing natural pest control methods helps keep ladybugs healthy and encourages them to stay around longer. Prioritize this step to maintain a balanced garden environment.

12. Set Up Shallow Water Sources

To keep ladybugs hydrated, place shallow dishes filled with water around your garden. Add small stones or sticks to create safe landing spots for them. This simple step encourages ladybugs to stay and makes your garden more inviting for these beneficial insects. Regularly refill the water to maintain a steady supply.

13. Include Angelica in Your Garden

You can attract ladybugs by planting angelica, known for its tall stems and umbrella-shaped flowers. It grows well in spots with partial shade and offers both nectar and shelter. Adding angelica supports beneficial insects naturally in your garden.

14. Add Goldenrod to Extend Ladybug Activity

You can boost ladybug presence by planting goldenrod, which flowers late in the season. Its vivid yellow blooms offer a reliable nectar source when other plants fade. Including goldenrod supports pollinators and helps keep ladybugs active in your garden longer.

15. Let Some Aphids Stay

You should keep a small number of aphids in your garden because they provide a steady food source for ladybugs. Completely removing pests can discourage ladybugs from settling. Allowing some aphids supports a balanced ecosystem that benefits natural pest control.

16. Use Mulch or Leaf Layers

You can create a cozy and safe space for ladybugs by adding mulch or leaf litter around your plants. These natural coverings keep the soil moist and offer shelter from predators. They also encourage a thriving environment for the insects ladybugs feed on, supporting their presence in your garden.

17. Plant Sweet Alyssum for Ladybugs

Growing sweet alyssum offers a reliable way to attract ladybugs with its long-lasting blooms and nectar-rich flowers. This plant also serves as ground cover, providing shelter for ladybug eggs and larvae. By including sweet alyssum in your garden, you create a welcoming environment that supports ladybug populations continuously.

To maximize its benefits, plant sweet alyssum in areas that receive full sun to partial shade. Its low height and spreading habit make it a practical choice for filling spaces while helping maintain natural pest control. Adding this plant alongside others like dill and marigolds, and minimizing pesticide use, boosts your garden’s overall health.