(Zea Mays 'Glass Gem') Organic
SKU:
$1.00
$1.00 - $2.00
$1.00
per item
Glass Gem Corn is a native heirloom, tender, warm weather annual vegetable that is native to Oklahoma where it was developed out of a line of ‘rainbow corn’ that was originally bred by a part-Cherokee, corn enthusiast named Carl Barnes. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 8-10' and features 6-8” ears with unique rainbow colored kernels. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts earwigs, and is edible.
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Zea
Species: mays
Variety: Glass Gem Flint/Popcorn
Native to: Oklahoma
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 110 days
Hardiness: Tender. Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Late
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes.
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Water: Medium. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Feeder: Heavy: Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 8-10'
Spacing: 6-8"
Sow Depth: 1-4"
Produces: 6-8” ears with unique rainbow colored kernels.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Garden Uses: As one of the most important food crops, corn is grown for both human and domestic animal consumption. It is valued in the home garden for its superior flavor compared to that of store-bought. Corn is also used ornamentally in seasonal decorations.
Genus: Zea
Species: mays
Variety: Glass Gem Flint/Popcorn
Native to: Oklahoma
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Annual
Days to Maturity: Spring/Summer 110 days
Hardiness: Tender. Corn is a tropical grass and needs warm weather. It is not at all hardy.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Spring, Summer
Growing Season: Long
Cultivar Type: Late
Growing Conditions: Warm, Hot. Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 50°F - 95°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: Yes.
Light: Full Sun. Min. 6 hours daily (Warm, Hot). Corn uses an especially efficient form of photosynthesis that enables it to grow rapidly in the high intensity light and heat of the tropics. It should be placed in the sunniest spot in the garden.
Water: Medium. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Feeder: Heavy: Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Suitability: High heat, Needs lots of space.
Small Gardens?: No
Containers?: Yes, but will need a large one, like a half wine barrel It is possible to grow corn in a large container of fertile soil, but it's probably not worthwhile. Be aware that you won't get much for the space it takes up, and you will have to hand pollinate such a small number of plants.
Attracts beneficial insects?: No
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 8-10'
Spacing: 6-8"
Sow Depth: 1-4"
Produces: 6-8” ears with unique rainbow colored kernels.
Hardiness Zone: 2-11
Garden Uses: As one of the most important food crops, corn is grown for both human and domestic animal consumption. It is valued in the home garden for its superior flavor compared to that of store-bought. Corn is also used ornamentally in seasonal decorations.
Soil Preparation
Soil Preference:
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.8. Corn will grow well in a variety of soils, but it is a hungry plant and needs a lot of nutrients for maximum production. The ideal soil is rich, moisture retentive and well drained.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2" in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil along with the compost. It will supply any additional nutrients the plants may require. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Soil pH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 6.0-6.8. Corn will grow well in a variety of soils, but it is a hungry plant and needs a lot of nutrients for maximum production. The ideal soil is rich, moisture retentive and well drained.
Soil Preparation:
Compost (Nitrogen), 2" in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Incorporate 2˝ of compost or aged manure into the top 6˝ of soil.
Standard Mix, 5 pounds per 100 sq. ft., in top 6" of soil, 1 time: Standard Mix should be incorporated into the top 6" of soil along with the compost. It will supply any additional nutrients the plants may require. This is a mix of various amendments intended to supply all of the nutrients plants may require. It is usually incorporated into the soil prior to planting. The mix consists of:
- 4 parts cottonseed meal (this is high in nitrogen and relatively inexpensive)
- 2 parts colloidal phosphate or bone meal (for phosphorus)
- 2 parts wood ash or 3 parts greensand or granite dust (for potassium)
- 1 part dolomitic limestone (to balance pH and add calcium and magnesium)
- 1 part kelp meal (for trace elements)
Mix these together thoroughly. You can do this all at once, or you can store them separately and mix as needed.
Start Indoors
Seed Sowing Depth: 1.0" to 4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 105°F, optimal 60°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 14 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
3-4 weeks before last frost date: Very early Corn: Corn can be started indoors, in cell packs, soil blocks or plug trays. However this is only worthwhile for very early Corn, in exceptionally short or early cool growing conditions, or to avoid predators such as birds and mice. Sow 2 seeds in each cell or block and thin to the best one when they have all emerged. If germination is very good, you might just plant one seed per cell. The seedlings grow rapidly and will get root-bound if left in their containers for too long. Ideally they should be out of their pots and in the ground, within 3 to 4 weeks.
Soil temp for germination: 50°F to 105°F, optimal 60°F to 95°F, optimal 95°F
Total weeks to grow transplant: 12 to 14 (Spring/Summer), (Fall/Winter)
Germinate:
3-4 weeks before last frost date: Very early Corn: Corn can be started indoors, in cell packs, soil blocks or plug trays. However this is only worthwhile for very early Corn, in exceptionally short or early cool growing conditions, or to avoid predators such as birds and mice. Sow 2 seeds in each cell or block and thin to the best one when they have all emerged. If germination is very good, you might just plant one seed per cell. The seedlings grow rapidly and will get root-bound if left in their containers for too long. Ideally they should be out of their pots and in the ground, within 3 to 4 weeks.
Transplanting Outdoors
On Last Frost Date: A couple of weeks before planting out, you should prepare the planting bed and lay down black plastic to warm it up. Plant the seedlings on the last frost date and cover with row covers, or cloches, to keep them warm until the weather warms up.
Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Support: No
Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Support: No
Starting Outdoors
When Warm, Hot: Corn is a sub-tropical plant and uses C4 photosynthesis, which enables it to grow more efficiently in high heat and light levels. It needs warm weather and as much sunlight as it can get. Sweet Corn can be grown in an intensive bed, but it must be in a large block for best pollination. There must be at least a group of 12 plants to insure good pollination. It is a tall growing plant, so must be planted where it won't shade other plants.
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Seed Depth: 1.0"-4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Spring Crop: 2-7 weeks after last frost date. Corn is almost always direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1˝ deep.
Summer Crop: 8-12 weeks after last frost date. Corn is usually direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, corn may be planted as deep as 4˝.
Support: No
When outdoor temp: 50°F to 95°F, optimal temp 60°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F. Corn needs a warm soil for good germination. It will take 3 weeks to germinate at 50 degrees, but only 4 days at 80 degrees.
Seed Depth: 1.0"-4.0". In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1" deep. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, it may be planted as deep as 4".
Spacing: 6"-8", 2 plants per sq ft. Row planting: Corn is usually planted in rows but to ensure good pollination (which means full ears), it is important that the rows be in blocks. These should consist of at least four rows each. Put the plants 8" apart in the rows, with 24 to 36" between the rows.
Intensive Beds: Plant in offsets rows across the bed. The distance apart depends upon the soil: 18" (poor soil) 15" (average soil) 12" (excellent soil).
Spring Crop: 2-7 weeks after last frost date. Corn is almost always direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. In spring when the soil is cool it should be planted only 1˝ deep.
Summer Crop: 8-12 weeks after last frost date. Corn is usually direct sown, because it grows fast, doesn’t like transplanting and it is less work.
1. To get the plants off to a good start, you might soak the seeds overnight prior to planting. For an even faster start you could pre-germinate them, but be careful not to break the brittle roots.
2. Later in the year, when the soil is warm, corn may be planted as deep as 4˝.
Support: No
Corn is fairly easy to grow if it has warm conditions and enough nutrients, light and water. You then just have to make sure it gets pollinated properly. You need to be growing enough corn plants in a block to ensure good pollination, a minimum block of 4 feet.
Water Needs: Moderate. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5", regularly, 2 times a week. Sweet Corn is a thirsty plant so water it regularly. Water is especially crucial during tasseling and subsequent ear maturation, so make sure they get enough water at this time. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Weeding, after sowing: after sowing, every 2 weeks. It is important to weed the plants carefully until they reach 12" in height. You can use a hoe for this, as they don’t have shallow roots. Once the plants are growing well no weed on earth can compete with them.
Thinning, when 3" tall: 8 inches apart, when 3" tall, 1 time. Plant twice as many seeds as you need and thin to the recommended spacing when they are several inches high.
Side Dressing, when 12" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., when 12in tall, 1 time. It is a good idea to give the young plants a boost of nitrogen, such as compost tea, when the seedlings are about 12˝ tall and growing rapidly.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., at early fruit set, 1 time. Give them another dose of compost tea when the silks appear, for that final burst of growth.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. The best way to irrigate is with a soaker hose or a drip system. Don't use sprinklers during the pollen shedding stage, as it may affect pollination.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Corn is a notoriously hungry plant, which isn't surprising when you consider how fast it can grow. For best growth it needs generous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as all of the other plant nutrients.
Watering, regularly: Water, 0.5", regularly, 2 times a week. Sweet Corn is a thirsty plant so water it regularly. Water is especially crucial during tasseling and subsequent ear maturation, so make sure they get enough water at this time. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.
Weeding, after sowing: after sowing, every 2 weeks. It is important to weed the plants carefully until they reach 12" in height. You can use a hoe for this, as they don’t have shallow roots. Once the plants are growing well no weed on earth can compete with them.
Thinning, when 3" tall: 8 inches apart, when 3" tall, 1 time. Plant twice as many seeds as you need and thin to the recommended spacing when they are several inches high.
Side Dressing, when 12" tall: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., when 12in tall, 1 time. It is a good idea to give the young plants a boost of nitrogen, such as compost tea, when the seedlings are about 12˝ tall and growing rapidly.
Side Dressing, at early fruit set: Compost tea, 5 gallons per 100 sq. ft., at early fruit set, 1 time. Give them another dose of compost tea when the silks appear, for that final burst of growth.
Support: No
Harvesting
Ripening:
Wait until the husks are dry and brown to harvest. To remove husks from the stalk, twist the husk while pulling downward in one fluid movement. This will release the husk from the stalk.
Raise a large screen or cooling/drying rack off of the ground so that air can flow around and beneath the corn cobs. Spread the corn cobs out on the drying rack, turning them once a day to ensure even drying.
After a week, gently press your fingernail into a Glass Gem corn kernel. When fully dried, the kernels will be "hard as flint."
Wait until the husks are dry and brown to harvest. To remove husks from the stalk, twist the husk while pulling downward in one fluid movement. This will release the husk from the stalk.
Raise a large screen or cooling/drying rack off of the ground so that air can flow around and beneath the corn cobs. Spread the corn cobs out on the drying rack, turning them once a day to ensure even drying.
After a week, gently press your fingernail into a Glass Gem corn kernel. When fully dried, the kernels will be "hard as flint."
Storage
In this completely dried state, Glass Gem corn can last for many years. It can be used to grow more Glass Gem corn next year, popped for popcorn, ground for cornmeal, cooked for hominy, or used ornamentally.
Taste:
Makes great popcorn!
Culinary Use:
Popcorn isn't just for popcorn - it can also be ground into cornmeal and used as a flour.
Makes great popcorn!
Culinary Use:
Popcorn isn't just for popcorn - it can also be ground into cornmeal and used as a flour.
Companion Planting
Allies: The benefits of planting corn with beans has been upheld by scientific research, which showed increased yields when corn was grown with a legume. One study points out that an interplanting of soybeans encourages parasitic Trichogramma wasps, which help control corn earworms. Soybeans or peanuts also increase populations of predatory insects, which help reduce the number of corn borers. Beans and corn are mutually beneficial: Beans help keep fall armyworms in check on corn, notes one study, while corn minimizes leafhoppers on bean plants. Alternate rows of corn and bush beans, two rows of corn to one row of beans. Or plant pole beans to climb corn rows.
Companions: Sunflower borders were a tradition in American Indian gardens. British research indicates that strips of sunflowers alternated with corn will increase yields and
decrease infestations of all armyworms. Squash and pumpkins do well in the shade of the corn rows.
Enemies: The weed quack grass (Agropyron repens) appears to make nitrogen and potassium unavailable to corn, even when the area is heavily fertilized. Leached toxins from wheat straw mulch reduced corn yields in farm research by 44-94 percent.
Companions: Sunflower borders were a tradition in American Indian gardens. British research indicates that strips of sunflowers alternated with corn will increase yields and
decrease infestations of all armyworms. Squash and pumpkins do well in the shade of the corn rows.
Enemies: The weed quack grass (Agropyron repens) appears to make nitrogen and potassium unavailable to corn, even when the area is heavily fertilized. Leached toxins from wheat straw mulch reduced corn yields in farm research by 44-94 percent.
Problems
The most common pests include corn borers, flea beetles, and cutworms. Animal pests can be serious once ears develop. Clean garden practices, crop rotation, and planting resistant strains are generally the best defense.
Corn Borers
Beneficial insects such as Green lacewings, Ladybugs, Damsel bugs, Spiders and Hover fly larvae all prey on Corn Borers.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Hoverflies: Prey on aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and Thrips.
To attract Hoverflies to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Ladybug: Preys on Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Leafhoppers, Whitefly, Spider mites, Fleas, Mealybug, and Colorado potato beetles.
To attract Ladybugs to your garden you will need to grow: Angelica, Calendula, Caraway, Chives, Cilantro, Cosmos, Dill, Fennel, Feverfew, Marigold, Statice, Sweet Alyssum, and Yarrow. You may also want to grow decoy crops to keep your ladybugs supplied with aphids to eat such as Early cabbage, Marigold, Nasturtium, and Radish. Without a food source, your ladybugs will be forced to leave which will leave your crops vulnerable.
Damsel Bugs: These true bugs are very common and abundant in farms, gardens and landscapes. They are generalist predators and both the adults and nymphs eat aphids, caterpillar eggs, small larvae, fleahoppers, lygus bugs, leafhoppers, treehoppers, spider mites, and other soft-bodied insects, especially on shorter growing plants. They are common in agricultural habitats, such as soybean, corn, and alfalfa. Damsel bugs are greyish brown in color and have grasping front legs. They are not commercially available.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Hoverflies: Prey on aphids, scale insects, caterpillars, and Thrips.
To attract Hoverflies to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf yarrow (Achillea filipendulina), Common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), Carpet bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), Lavender globe lily (Allium tanguticum), Basket of Gold (Alyssum saxatilis), Dill (Anethum graveolens), Golden Marguerite (Anthemis tinctoria), Dwarf alpine aster (Aster alpinus), Masterwort (Astrantia major), Four-wing saltbush (Atriplex canescens), Purple poppy mallow (Callirhoe involucrata), Caraway (Carum carvi), Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium), Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Cosmos white sensation (Cosmos bipinnatus), Queen Anne’s lace (Daucus carota), Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum CA), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Poached egg plant (Limnanthes douglasii), Statice (Limonium latifolium), Butter and eggs (Linaria vulgaris), Edging lobelia (Lobelia erinus), Sweet alyssum white (Lobularia maritima), Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Wild Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), Rocky Mountain penstemon (Penstemon strictus), Parsley (Petroselinum crispum), Sulfur cinquefoil (Potentilla recta ‘warrenii’), Alpine cinquefoil (Potentilla villosa), Gloriosa daisy (Rudbeckia fulgida), Orange stonecrop (Sedum kamtschaticum), Stonecrops (Sedum spurium), Peter Pan goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), Wood betony (Stachys officinalis), Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia), Crimson thyme (Thymus serpylum coccineus), Spike speedwell (Veronica spicata), Zinnia "liliput" (Zinnia elegans).
Flea Beetles
Beneficial insects such as Braconid wasps, Tachinid flies, Lacewings larvae, Damsel bugs, and Big Eyed Bug all prey on Flea Beetles.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
Damsel Bugs: Preys on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Flea beetles, Potato beetles, and Cabbage worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Big-eyed Bugs: Preys on Aphids, small Caterpillars and Caterpillar eggs, Flea beetles, Fleahoppers, Lygus bugs, Mites, Thrips, Whiteflies.
To attract Big-Eyed Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Cutworms
Beneficial insects such as Ground Beetles, Tachinid Flies, Braconid Wasps, Spiders, Minute Pirate Bugs, Damsel Bugs, Lacewing Larvae, and Birds all prey on Cutworms.
Ground Beetles: Prey on Snails, Slugs, Ants, Maggots, Earthworms, Caterpillars, Armyworms, Grubs, Colorado potato beetles, and Cutworms.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.
To attract Ground Beetles to your garden you will need to grow: evening primrose, amaranthus, and clover.
Tachinid Flies: Preys on Gypsy Moths, Flea Beetles, Japanese Beetles, Mexican Bean Beetles, Cutworms, and Squash Bugs.
To attract Tachinid Flies to your garden you will need to grow: Carrots, Dill, Coriander, and Buckwheat.
Braconid Wasps: Prey on Tobacco Hornworm, Tomato Hornworm, Caterpillars, Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Mexican Bean Beetles.
To attract Braconid Wasps to your garden you will need to grow: Fern-leaf Yarrow, Common Yarrow, Dill, Lemon Balm, and Parsley.
Spiders: Prey on a wide range including bed bugs, aphids, roaches, grasshoppers, cabbage looper, and fruit flies.
To attract Spiders to your garden you will need to grow: tall plants for weaving spiders, mulch for predatory spiders.
Minute Pirate Bugs: Preys on spider mites, cabbage looper, insect eggs, caterpillars, aphids, thrips
To attract Minute Pirate Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Damsel Bugs: Prey on Caterpillars, Mites, Aphids, Potato Beetles, and Cabbage Worms.
To attract Damsel Bugs to your garden you will need to grow: Caraway (Carum carvi), Cosmos “white sensation” (Cosmos bipinnatus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Alfalfa (Medicago sativa), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Peter Pan Goldenrod (Solidago virgaurea), and Marigold “lemon gem” (Tagetes tenuifolia).
Green Lacewings: Preys on Aphids, Flea beetles, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Mealybugs, and Caterpillars of pest moths.
To attract Green Lacewings to your garden you will need to grow: Dill, Angelica, Golden Marguerite, Coriander, and Dandelion.