The Philosophy of Letting Insects Eat Your Plants

 

The Philosophy of Letting Insects Eat Your Plants

A new gardening philosophy is emerging, one that prioritizes insects over plants. Renegade gardeners are embracing the idea of letting insects eat their plants, recognizing that it's a natural part of the ecosystem. Chris Baraniuk, a features correspondent, explores this concept and talks to experts in the field.

When Chris Baraniuk noticed that his Solomon's seal plant was being devoured by grey caterpillars, he was initially horrified. However, after researching, he discovered that this was a natural process and that the plant would survive. The caterpillars were Solomon's seal sawfly larvae, and this was a normal part of their life cycle.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises tolerating this insect, as it's a natural part of the ecosystem. Hayley Jones, the principal entomologist at the RHS, notes that many gardeners are now embracing this philosophy and planting for herbivores, not just pollinators.

Matthew Shepherd, director of outreach and education at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, suggests planting milkweed to attract monarch butterflies and tussock moth caterpillars. He emphasizes the importance of growing native milkweed varieties to support local wildlife.

Sam Stapleton, a botanical horticulturist at Kew Gardens, is creating a habitat for insects to eat plants. He notes that this approach can support thousands of species and is a fascinating way to manage a garden.

Luke Tilley, a spokesman at the UK's Royal Entomological Society, points out that insects have inventive ways of consuming and disfiguring plant matter. He suggests that plants are not entirely helpless and can respond to herbivory in various ways.

Heidi Appel, Professor of Biology and Biochemistry at the University of Houston, has researched how plants respond to being eaten by insects. She found that herbivory changes gene expression in plants, suggesting they can detect and defend against herbivores.

Ben Vanheems, a spokesman for Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, tolerates blackfly on his broad beans, knowing that predators like ladybirds will come and eat them. He believes in maintaining a balance in his garden, rather than relying on chemicals.

In conclusion, the philosophy of letting insects eat your plants is a natural and beneficial approach to gardening. By embracing this concept, gardeners can support local wildlife, maintain a balanced ecosystem, and enjoy the beauty of nature.