Horticulture & Specialty Crops
Vegetable Insectary Planting Guide
A guide to planting insectary strips in vegetable fields. It helps growers plan plants that feed and shelter beneficial insects. Keep a printed copy handy and fill it in as you work.
Download free PDF1 page, US Letter, prints clean in black and white
GuideHorticulture & Specialty CropsFree PDF
The steps on this page
- Set goals for beneficial insects
- Choose flowers for bloom through the season
- Pick strip locations near crops
- Prepare and seed the strip
- Water until established
- Avoid sprays that harm insects
- Mow or manage on a plan
- Record insect activity
How to use this guide
Walk a new hand through the steps once, then let them use the page on their own. Add your own notes as you learn what works.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with SARE and USDA NRCS.
For more in this area, see the row crop calendar. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable, and Farm Market Expo, and farming farm stories.