Why spiders are good for the garden and how to attract them

While many of us try to keep spiders away from our homes, they’re actually good for our gardens.

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

The end of summer marks the start of spider mating season and now is the best time to start preparing your garden for spiders, GardeningExpress explains.

Spiders can help keep pests away from your plants (Image: Getty Images)

When the temperatures start to drop, spiders will be coming out in search of partners to lay eggs before winter.

How are spiders beneficial in our gardens?

Spiders can be extremely beneficial in our gardens as they help maintain a healthy garden ecosystem.

They also protect your plants from hungry pests and since spiders are good for pest control, gardeners can reduce the need for harmful chemicals.

How can gardeners attract spiders to their gardens?

Gardeners can easily attract spiders to their gardens by allowing some areas of the garden to grow wild and piling small rocks and wood.

This will provide natural foliage and hiding spots where the spiders can take shelter.

7 tips for attracting spiders to your garden

Limit pesticide use

Spiders can be harmed by chemical pesticides and they can reduce their food sources.

Excessive use of chemical pesticides has a negative effect on the environment and the biodiversity of the garden but opting for spiders as natural pest control is a much more sustainable and long-term solution.

Create habitats for spiders to thrive

Spiders need shelter as well as safe places to build their webs.

By piling logs, rocks, wood or leaf litter, you can create cosy habitats for them.

You could also leave some areas of the garden to grow wild with tall grass and shrubs where spiders can hide and prey on other insects.

Gardeners can help create habitats for spiders by adding a space for shelter (Image: Getty Images)

Spread natural mulch

Spiders love mulch so by spreading some around your garden beds, you’ll attract them to your garden.

If you want to improve the soil and provide a habitat for spiders, consider using natural mulch such as woodchips, grass clippings and shredded leaves.

Grow tall plants

Weaving spiders like to attach their webs to taller plants so plants like tomatoes, sunflowers and corn stalks are excellent additions to the garden for attracting spiders.

They will allow them to spread out their webs more effectively, increasing their chances of catching prey.

Avoid breaking webs

Spiders can build their webs in inconvenient places but you should try to keep their webs intact where possible.

They spend a long time building their webs and breaking them means they have to start over again.

This can have negative impacts on their ability to catch food and ultimately affect their chances of survival.

Spiders like to live under logs, rocks, wood or leaf litter (Image: Getty Images)

Add a water source

Put a small shallow dish or saucer filled with water in your garden so spiders have something to drink.

The water will need to be changed regularly so it stays fresh.

Avoid excessive artificial lighting

Spiders are generally more active at night time and excessive artificial lighting can disturb their natural behaviours and discourage their presence.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress, 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.”