Here’s why spiders are good for your garden

With spider season approaching, green-fingered Brits are being encouraged to allow spiders to take up residence in their gardens.

The experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have explained how spiders play an essential role in a healthy garden and have provided tips on how to create a cosy habitat for them.

The end of summer marks the beginning of spider mating season and while some may wish to avoid these creatures, they can actually benefit the garden’s overall health.

Now is the best time to start preparing the garden for spiders, soon when the temperatures start to drop, the creepy crawlies will be coming out in search of partners to lay eggs before winter.

Spiders can be extremely beneficial and can help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem and protect your plants from hungry pests.

By using natural predators like spiders for pest control, gardeners can reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

Gardeners can attract spiders to their gardens by allowing some areas of the garden to grow wild and piling small rocks and wood, providing natural foliage and hiding spots where the little creatures can take shelter.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “This spider season we’re encouraging people to embrace the idea of a spider-friendly garden and create an inviting haven for our eight-legged allies.

“Spiders are effective little helpers in the garden and their biggest benefit is eliminating pests who would otherwise destroy your precious plants and crops.

“Letting the spiders take care of the pests means that you’ll need to use less chemical pesticides which is especially useful if you’re growing your own food.

“To welcome spiders into your outdoor space, make sure to create micro-habitats where they can shelter and feast on other insects.

“For example, leave some areas of the garden a bit wild, with tall grass, shrubs, or rock piles, to provide hiding spots.”

Here are GardeningExpress.co.uk‘s top tips for attracting spiders into the garden:

1. Limit pesticide use

Chemical pesticides can harm spiders and reduce their food sources. Excessive use of chemical pesticides has a negative effect on the environment and the biodiversity of the garden. Opting for natural pest control through spiders is a much more sustainable and long-term solution

2. Create habitats where they can thrive 

Spiders need shelter and safe places to build their webs. Create cosy habitats for them by piling logs, rocks, wood or leaf litter. Consider leaving some areas of the garden to grow wild, with tall grass and shrubs, where spiders can hide and prey on other insects.

3. Spread natural mulch

Spiders love mulch, so make sure to spread some around your garden beds. If you want to provide a habitat for spiders in your garden while also improving the soil, consider using natural mulch such as woodchips, grass clippings, and shredded leaves.

4. Grow tall plants 

Weaving spiders like to attach their webs to taller plants. Plants such as tomatoes, sunflowers and corn stalks are excellent additions to the garden for attracting spiders, as they enable them to spread out their webs more effectively, increasing their chances of catching prey.

5. Avoid breaking webs 

Sometimes spiders can build their webs in inconvenient places, however, if possible try to allow the webs to stay in place. Spiders spend a long time building their webs, and breaking them means they must start over again, which can have negative impacts on their ability to catch food and ultimately affect their chances of survival

6. Add a water source

Place a small shallow dish or saucer filled with water in the garden to provide a drinking spot for spiders. Make sure to change the water regularly to keep it fresh.

7. Avoid excessive lighting

Spiders are generally more active during night time. Avoid using excessive artificial lighting as it can disturb their natural behaviours and discourage their presence.