How To Create A Hoverfly Lagoon

Hoverflies, also known as flower flies, are important pollinators in many ecosystems. They are attracted to flowers and can help control pests in gardens. Creating a hoverfly lagoon is an easy way to attract these beneficial insects to your yard. In this article, we’ll go over the steps you need to follow to create a hoverfly lagoon in your garden.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

The first step in creating a hoverfly lagoon is to choose the right location. Hoverflies like sunny areas with plenty of flowers, so look for a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day. You’ll also want to make sure the area has good drainage, as hoverflies don’t like wet soil. If you have a pond in your garden, you can create the lagoon near it to provide a water source for the hoverflies.

Step 2: Prepare the Site

Once you’ve chosen the location for your hoverfly lagoon, you need to prepare the site. Start by removing any grass or weeds from the area. You can do this by hand or use a shovel to dig up the plants. Once the area is clear, rake the soil to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Add Gravel and Sand

The next step is to add gravel and sand to the site. This will create a suitable habitat for the hoverflies. Spread a layer of gravel over the soil, then add a layer of sand on top. You’ll want to create a layer that’s about three inches thick in total.

Step 4: Add Water

After you’ve added the gravel and sand, it’s time to add water to the lagoon. You’ll want to fill it up to about an inch below the top of the gravel and sand layer. Use a watering can or hose to slowly add water to the lagoon, being careful not to disturb the layers of gravel and sand.

A hoverfly lagoon surrounded by colorful flowers

Step 5: Plant Flowers

The final step is to plant flowers around the hoverfly lagoon. Choose a variety of flowers that bloom throughout the season to provide a constant food source for the hoverflies. Some good options include marigolds, cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers. You can also plant herbs like parsley, mint, and dill, which hoverflies love.

Marigold flowers in a hoverfly lagoon

Creating a hoverfly lagoon is an easy and effective way to attract these beneficial insects to your garden. By following these simple steps, you can create a habitat that will provide food, shelter, and water for hoverflies throughout the season.

flower flies, beneficial insects, pollinators, garden pests, hoverfly habitat, flower gardens