Milpa Gardens

Insectary plants near fruiting crops increase pollinator and predator visitation.

A good hunch · suboptimal if ignored → advise

How it works

Nectar and pollen resource provisioning.

The evidence

Evidence: confirmed against 1 source in the research-based literature.

the source

UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM), 'Insectary Plants', ipm.ucanr.edu/environmental-protection-and-pesticide-stewardship/insectary-plants (read 2026-07-11): 'Insectary plants are those grown to attract, feed, and shelter insect parasites (parasitoids) and predators to enhance biological pest control. Insectary plants provide nectar and pollen, which the adults of many natural enemy species need to consume.' (UC IPM also notes 'insectary plants may not always help' suppress pests — consistent with the grade-C 'reasonably supported' framing.)

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