Gardeners, conservationists, and wildlife enthusiasts alike know that planting non-native plants can be a very risky decision. While some people might shrug this off as unimportant, there is a multitude of reasons to avoid this practice altogether. Let’s explore five reasons why you should only cultivate plants in your garden that are native to your geographic location.
1. Native Plants Are More Likely to Thrive
While some people think all non-native plants are invasive, this is not the case.
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It might seem obvious, but planting native plants in the region they’re native to will help ensure that they perform well. They tend to establish easily and grow without much intervention. Planting non-native plants can be challenging, especially for new gardeners. In the beginning, sticking to native plants can be a great way to get into the hobby.
2. Native Plants Help Support the Local Flora and Fauna
The best time of year to begin gardening is early spring.
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Native plants are at home among the flora and fauna in the locations to which they are endemic. Because of this, many plants and animals have natural symbiotic relationships with one another. Pollinators will naturally gravitate towards flowers native to the same places that they are, and other local animals may benefit from their presence as well.
3. Native Plants Help Protect Local Biodiversity
Insects are an integral part of our ecosystem.
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Introducing non-native plants to a garden can have serious consequences. One of the most obvious is the potential for non-native plants to outcompete the species that naturally occur there. As certain plants gradually die off, this may begin to affect local wildlife that use them as a food source. This can trigger a domino effect, harming or eliminating countless species. According to the Yale School of the Environment, “In fact, research has shown repeatedly that when native host plants dwindle or disappear from an area, the populations of insect herbivores shrink and become less diverse.”
4. Native Plants Offer Just as Many Benefits as Non-Native Plants
Contact your local wildlife authority if you cannot determine whether a plant is native to your location.
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While some gardeners may be drawn to non-native species for their appearance or fragrance, native plants can provide equal or even greater benefits. If you’re interested in a non-native plant, research local alternatives that offer similar benefits. You might be surprised at what you discover!
5. Native Plants Help Conserve Water
Planting native plants is wildly beneficial while planting non-native plants can have serious consequences.
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Because native plants are adapted to local conditions, they often require less maintenance than non-native species. Part of this includes a decreased need for water. The natural weather cycle usually provides these plants with sufficient moisture, though occasional supplemental watering may still be necessary.
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