For gardeners wanting an alternative to chemical sprays, a soil-applie…

A pond set up with the right planting and Suggested Site shelter from the outset tends to attract amphibians naturally over time. Many gardeners begin with a considered selection of pond wildlife equipment chosen to suit the size of pond they are working with.

For gardeners wanting an alternative to chemical sprays, a soil-applied option is worth considering as a first step, and a good starting point is a range of slug nematodes for gardens suited to the pest in question.

Shelter is often overlooked. Many UK bee species are solitary rather than hive-dwelling, and a patch of bare, undisturbed soil in a sunny spot can serve as nesting ground for mining bees, while hollow stems and drilled wood blocks suit species that nest above ground. Choosing biological pest control over chemical sprays around flowering borders also helps protect the insects visiting them.

Flower choice makes a real difference. Single-flowered varieties expose their pollen and nectar openly, whereas heavily double-petalled blooms often hide or lack it altogether. Planting in drifts rather than single specimens also helps, since it gives foraging insects a more efficient source to work through.

For gardens without much bare soil to spare, a ready-made shelter is a simple addition. Many gardeners start with bee hotels positioned in a sheltered, sunny spot close to nectar-rich planting.

Sited well and left in peace, an insect house can become a genuinely busy part of the garden. Many gardeners start by comparing a few insect houses before choosing one to match the space available.