Letting caterpillars feast on leaves can help to create a healthier ecosystem in your garden, says the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).
Despite being considered as minor pests who nibble prized plants and veg, the gardening charity explained in their latest Gardening With The RHS podcast that 'tolerating a few nibbled leaves' can help attract wildlife in your garden and 'reduce the need for human intervention'.
Andrew Salisbury, the RHS' chief entomologist, said: 'Moths and butterflies do have caterpillars that feed on garden plants so you need to tolerate a few nibbled plants to have a healthy ecosystem in your garden.'
While many of us have spent years searching for ways to deter the eating machines from our favourite flowers, they may actually be good for our garden after all.
In the podcast, Andrew explained that he had been watching the caterpillars enjoy his nasturtiums before the bees came to take them away. 'In the course of three hours I watched wasps come in, search, find a caterpillar, fly off, and feed their babies in their nest,' he said.
'I watched every caterpillar get taken, so if you encourage the grubs you encourage the predators that eat them. It's important to put up with some nibbled cabbages to have a healthy ecosystem in your garden.'
Also in the podcast, Andrew said we should avoid having a garden that's too tidy, and to accept a bit of damage to get a healthy, balanced eco-system. Time to let caterpillars enjoy your garden...
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15 gardening gloves that are durable and comfortable
This classic grey pair of gloves has an adjustable strap to keep your hands secure whilst gardening. They also have ultra-soft felt palms and a breathable mesh fabric to help you keep cool when it's warm.
With non-slip dots for a sure grip and a four-way stretch fit, these everyday gardening gloves keep hands protected from cuts as well as the sun (they have been made with certified 50+ UPF for maximum sun protection).
Coming in at just over £12, these green gloves have a 3D breathable mesh back to keep your hands cool and comfortable. Ideal for the summer months.
READ MORE: 20 best gardening gifts under £35
These soft grey suede gloves are great for tasks around the house and garden. Sold in one size, they aim to protect your hands no matter what job you take on.
With a microfibre and polyester mix fabric, these green gardening gloves will allow you to weed, prune and plant with ease. As well as being easy to clean, they also have an adjustable velcro strap, too.
These 100 per cent cotton canvas gardening gloves — featuring Orla Kiely's famous print — are fully lined with elasticated wrists. It's great if you're on the hunt for a stylish option.
Gardening on a rainy day? Well, add these affordable water repellent gloves to the top of your wish list. Fully coated with latex, they offer a powerful grip in both wet and dry conditions.
Used and recommended by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, these large gardening gloves have leather palms and durable elastane backs that give a little stretch. Perfect for those hands-on tasks in the garden.
Keep your hands safe from scrapes and cuts in the garden with these large gloves. Made from leather, cotton and polyester, they are great for heavy-duty tasks.
In a soft beige hue, these everyday gardening gloves have been made from a soft, stretch fabric to provide complete comfort. As well as this, the palms and fingers are covered with silicone dots to give you a sure-handed grip.
Stylish and practical, these denim gardening gloves protect against sharp thorns, needles, briars and insect bites.
Designed to protect hands against thorns, these leather gardening gloves feature an adjustable rip-tape strap for comfort and a more generous fit. We love the added pop of blue.
Part of the RHS Flora & Fauna collection, these vibrant bird-printed gloves are great for pulling out tough weeds. They have been made with a soft hardwearing fabric to help you as you get your garden in shape.
Designed to last, these professional garden gloves offer comfort, durability and protection. They also have an extra palm and finger protection, to keep you safe when pruning plants.
Looking for a professional pair of gardening gloves to help with heavy-duty jobs? Then this pair is just for you. Designed for harsh application and rough materials, you can be sure that these gloves will protect your hands outdoors.
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