Garden plants attract insect pests by the dozens, from aphids to slugs. But before you reach for an insecticide, take another look at the insects in your planting beds.

While the pests are devouring your squash and tomatoes, another wave of insects is coming to the rescue.

Beneficial insects prey on the pests gardeners detest, keeping insect populations in check.

Most of the beautiful adult lacewings feed on pollen, nectar, and honeydew. Green lacewing larvae, however, are voracious predators. Nicknamed "aphid lions," the larvae do an impressive job of devouring aphids by the dozens. Larvae hunt for soft-bodied prey, using their curved, pointed mandibles to stab their victims.

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Healthy Living Herbs: the name in herbs to be trusted for the best results. Follow our easy growing plans and tips, and you and your family will surely enjoy the benefits of freshly and naturally grown herbs in your daily life. Available at your local Garden Centre.

by Alice Spenser-Higgs

If you are planting out tomatoes this month allow some space for the herbs that go so well with them.

Basil, oregano, chives, parsley and coriander are the herbs most commonly used with tomatoes, whether they are eaten fresh or cooked as a sauce for adding to pasta, pizza, and chilled summer soup.

Not only do these herbs enhance the flavour of tomatoes, they are also good garden companions because their aromatic foliage tends to repel insects that attack the fruit and leaves. Although there is no documented proof, many gardeners swear that growing basil next to tomatoes improves the taste of the tomatoes.