Sow flowers for ladybirds
Avoid use of insecticides and attract a natural way to reduce aphids in the garden.
Last edited: 11/04/2025
Before you get started
Why this is important
Many people rely on insecticides to protect their gardens - but these chemicals do more harm than good. Not only do they kill beneficial insects like ladybirds, but they can also harm birds, pets, and even us! Learning how to attract natural predators, like ladybirds, is a safer and more sustainable way to control garden pests.
Supporting documents
Connect activity: Name the flowers
Instructions
Sowing flowers for ladybirds
Prepare your soil
Remove weeds where possible (smothering them with cardboard over winter works well!).
Rake the area to loosen the soil.
Water the bed one day before sowing your seeds.
Choose your seeds to sow
Here are our personal choices, and these will also create a beautiful, wildlife-friendly garden:
- Tall plants (for the back of your border): Fennel & Yarrow
- Mid-height plants: Calendula
- Low-growing plants (for the front of the border): Alyssum & Chamomile
Bonus tip: Leave some stinging nettles nearby (ladybirds love them).
Sow your seeds
Follow the seed packet instructions carefully.
Some seeds need a light covering of soil, while others need direct sunlight to germinate.
You may also need to gently tread down the soil to prevent seeds from being washed away by wind or rain.
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