Organic Gardening Essentials

Plant a Diverse Mix

Diverse plantings invite beneficial organisms to take up residence in your gardens, Suzanne says. Plants in this photo include liatris, yarrow, coneflower and bee balm. These plants attract pollinators, such as butterflies and bees, as well as beneficial insects, such as lacewings and tiny, nonstinging wasps that prey on pest insects. Also, if you allow some plants, such as coneflowers, to go to seed, you'll attract birds that also help with pest control.