Good Bug or Garden Pest? How to Identify Insects in Your Vegetable Garden – Ep. 249

Just Grow Something | The "Why" Behind the "How" of Gardening

Are all bugs in your garden bad news? Not at all! In fact,some insects are your best allies when it comes to pest control and plant health.

Today on Just Grow Something, we’re talking about howto tell the difference between beneficial insects and destructive garden pests—even if you’re not an entomologist. Learn how to identify common bugs based on their behavior, body features, and habitat, and discoverwhich insects you want to attract to your garden and which ones to manage quickly.

Whether you’re a new gardener confused about who’s chewing on your cabbage, or a seasoned grower wanting to attract more natural predators to your space, this episode has practical tips for observing, identifying, andunderstanding the insects in your garden.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• The role of beneficial insects in natural pest control and pollination
• How to visually identify insects based on body shape, wing type, behavior, and feeding habits
• Examples of common garden pests like aphids, squash bugs, and hornworms
• Identification tips for good bugs like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and hoverflies
• Why local resources like university Extension services and conservation departments are your best tool for regional pest and beneficial ID
• How to build a garden that attracts and supports beneficial insects
• Why not all creepy crawlies need to be squished—some are silently helping your garden thrive!

Let's dig in!

References and Resources:

Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at HeirloomRoses.com with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.com

Get 10% off and FREE shipping on my favorite raised planters at Planter Box Direct using code JUSTGROW10: https://planterboxdirect.com/?ref=593BugGuide.net – Community-supported insect ID tool

Episode 24 - Aphids! https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/ep-24-garden-talk-tuesday-aphids

Just Grow Something: https://justgrowsomething.com

Just Grow Something Merch andDownloads: https://justgrowsomething.com/shop

Just Grow Something Gardening Friends Facebook Group:https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18YgHveF5P/

Check out how you can become a patron on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/JustGrowSomething

Bonus content for supporters of the Podcast: https://buymeacoffee.com/justgrowsomething

Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/justgrowsomething