Wildflower Seed Mixes to Attract Beneficials

Cultural practices that create beneficial habitat are essential to a successful biological control program. The key to creating a good habitat for the insects is integrating biodiversity into and around your farm, garden, or greenhouse. Different kinds of plants attract different kinds of insects, resulting in a biological balance in the garden. Besides height and density of the stand, blends vary in content of perennials vs. annuals (in southern latitudes habitats of annuals last longer in winter cropping systems, perennials provide habitat longer in summer). Because of differences in seed size, the volume of 1 ounce of seed ranges from 2 rounded tablespoons to a rounded half cup. Create a protective niche for natural predators and parasites by providing host insects, nectar, pollen, water sources, dew, and moist organic litter on soil surface. Consider mulching your plants to improve habitat at the soil level. Dedicate just 1% of your garden or crop area for biocontrol and you will be rewarded.

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Beneficial Blend - Seed Mix

from $16.00

Beneficial Blend Seed Mixture yields a wide variety of plants known to harbor beneficial insects. It can also be used to deter weeds or provide ground cover in unused areas. It is good for soil building, erosion control and has excellent drought resistance and tolerance for non-tillable, compacted, low fertility soils with high or low pH. Beneficial Blend Mix should be planted 0.25 – 0.50 inches deep in a good, fine seedbed since many flower and herb seeds are small. A well established stand will reseed and can last several years, which will add vigor to the perennial and biennial plants in the blend. Fall planting is best in a Mediterranean climate, giving plants time to establish in the rainy season.

A light planting rate of 10 lb per acre will establish 2-4 plants of each species per square foot. In orchards and vineyards, only one row of the Blend out of every 8-10 rows is needed.

Optimal for areas surrounding indoor grow areas and throughout outdoor grow areas.

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Insecta-Flora Beneficial Habitat Mix

from $20.00

Insecta-Flora mixes have flowers that bloom at different times throughout the year and include open flower structures that allow large and small insects to get nectar. Insecta-Flora also provides habitat for birds. Some flowers have lots of pollen, some will tolerate shade, and some will take mowing. Avoid planting mixes too heavily as the faster growing plants will overwhelm the slower growing plants resulting in lower diversity. Fall planting is best in a Mediterranean climate, giving plants time to establish in the rainy season. If planted in the spring, water to get established. In dryer areas, water several times in summer. To maintain an established habitat, if mowing is needed, mow half an area one month and the other half about a month later. Available in standard and low growing mixes.

Plant Insecta-Flora mixes 11 lb per acre OR 1 lb per 4,000 sq ft OR 1 oz per 250 sq ft OR 1 g per 9 sq ft To keep the stand for several years in a permanent bed, let the flowers set seed before mowing

A great option surrounding grow operations

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Organic Bush Beans

$12.00

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Alyssum Seed

$30.00

Alyssum is an "Insectary Plant" creating a home and food source for beneficial insects. In regards to Fungus Gnats, Alyssum has been shown to become a good home for Stratiolaelaps scimitus. Planting Alyssum and other insectary plants throughout your outdoor growing area or as a barrier surrounding your indoor growing area can be of great value.