Using Beneficial Insects in Cut Flower Production with Erik van der Sluys
About this episode
Scott Shepherd interviews Erik van der Sluys about using beneficial insects for natural pest control in flower production.
In this episode of The Flower Podcast, Scott welcomes Erik van der Sluys of Beneficial Insectary for a deep dive into natural pest control strategies tailored specifically for flower farmers. They explore practical, real-world approaches to managing common pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and fungus gnats, and discuss how integrating beneficial insects into your growing system can dramatically improve plant health and resilience. Erik breaks down how growers can strengthen their Integrated Pest Management (IPM) through foundational cultural practices (watering, fertilizing, crop rotation), sanitation practices (removing plant debris, cleaning tools, controlling weeds), and mechanical controls (sticky traps, insect screens, targeted water sprays). He also explains how and when to release beneficial insects—such as predatory mites, parasitic wasps, lacewings, and lady beetles—to support the natural ecosystem of your fields, tunnels, and greenhouses. Listeners will learn how to read seasonal pest patterns, track insect lifecycles, monitor temperatures for pest activity, and build habitats that attract and sustain beneficial insects. The conversation highlights…
More episodes of The Flower Podcast
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- Rethinking Growth with Lindsey Mizock of Pompelmo Floral
- The Science and Art of Plant Breeding with Dr. Keith Hammett
- Starting Fresh with Galena Berkompas, Micro Flower Farm
- What Is Your Most Important Tool: Madeline Hooper of Gardenfit
- Planning for Profit with Jenny Marks, Trademarks Flower Farm
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