u/TheGreatAskewEgg

Little one has taken up residence on the lemon verbena

I’m a container gardener in the backyard of my rented home. I’m doing what I can the last couple years to plant natives to promote pollinators and beneficial insect visitors for my summer garden. I do notice them more each year, but we’re talking a very limited setup (the full on pollinator native ecosystem yard dream won’t be realized til I have my own home I have come to accept).

BUT that being said, man does the pest to beneficial insect ratio get me down the last two summers! Aphids were a problem for me last year on my tomatoes and zucchini squash and I’m determined to do better this year. Last year I Neem oiled after the sun set and tried soap solutions which did seem to help a bit.

But these little dudes are all just having a party inside my squash blossoms this year I’ve noticed! It’s hard to see here because the flower is relatively closed but there have to be a dozen in there. They looks like gnats? They are a little speedy and jumpy so I was wondering maybe if they’re flea beetles? But they look like household drain flies? Anyone have advice or seen this particular issue before?

Aaanyway this is 25% rant and 75% advice request lol. I enjoy seeing everyone’s gardens progress on this sub! And it truly delights me to tend to my little patch here as best as I can and dream of grander gardens one day!