Across the planet, biodiversity is in crisis. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), more than 47,000 species are currently threatened with extinction. That includes 44% of reef-building corals, 41% of amphibians, and 38% of the world’s tree species. Even some of the most iconic and familiar groups—like mammals, freshwater fish, and birds—are experiencing dramatic population declines.
This isn't just a loss of individual species. It’s a disruption of the delicate web that sustains all life on Earth, including our own.
But often left out of the spotlight are some of the smallest and most essential creatures of all: insects.
The Insect Crisis
Insects make up more than half of all known species on Earth. They pollinate plants, feed birds and amphibians, break down organic matter, and help keep ecosystems in balance. Yet, studies have shown alarming trends. Some estimate that insect populations have declined by more than 75% in the last 50 years in certain areas.
This silent crisis has ripple effects across the entire food chain. Without pollinators like bees, butterflies, and beetles, the plants we depend on—including many of our fruits and vegetables—struggle to reproduce. And when insect populations fall, the animals that feed on them follow.
So, what’s the good news? There’s something we can all do to help, right where we are.
How Gardens Can Help
At Green Our Planet, we believe in the power of gardens to transform not only students and schools, but ecosystems and communities. When students grow gardens, they’re not just learning about science, sustainability, and nutrition. They’re also building small but mighty habitats for local wildlife.
One of the most effective and accessible ways to support insect populations is through gardening. Here are five meaningful, practical actions anyone can take:
Five Ways to Support Insects Through Gardening
1. Plant Native Species
Not all flowers are created equal—especially when it comes to feeding insects. Many ornamental plants have been bred for beauty, not for biodiversity. Native plants, on the other hand, have evolved alongside local insects and often provide the exact pollen, nectar, or leaves specific species need to survive. Monarch butterflies, for example, rely solely on native milkweed as a host plant for their larvae. By planting native wildflowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees, we give local pollinators the food and shelter they’ve depended on for generations. Start small by researching what’s native to your area and incorporating a few varieties into your garden beds.
2. Avoid Pesticides and Herbicides
Chemical sprays don’t always discriminate. Pesticides meant for pests often harm helpful insects like ladybugs, lacewings, bees, and butterflies. Herbicides, meanwhile, target weeds that may actually be vital food sources for native species. Instead of spraying, try natural approaches like using physical barriers, inviting helpful insects, or planting a variety of crops that naturally keep pests in check. Students can also learn to observe their gardens closely to spot problems early and address them by hand when possible. Skipping the chemicals helps keep the entire garden ecosystem safer and more balanced.
3. Make Space for the Wild
Insects don’t just need flowers, they need places to live. Many native bees nest in bare soil, hollow stems, or leaf litter. Beetles, moths, and other helpful species rely on logs, rocks, and brush piles for shelter. Rather than clearing every inch of your garden, leave a corner untamed. Allow fallen leaves to rest through winter, leave some flower stems standing until spring, or build a simple bug hotel with your students. These small habitat zones make a big difference and can also be great learning opportunities for young gardeners.
4. Teach Respect, Not Fear
For many children, insects are mysterious and sometimes scary. But with the right experiences, that fear can turn into fascination. School gardens offer a perfect setting to gently challenge misconceptions. When students watch a bee pollinate a flower or observe worms enriching the soil, they begin to understand insects not as pests, but as partners in the garden. These moments build empathy, curiosity, and a sense of stewardship that lasts far beyond the classroom.
5. Grow a Culture of Coexistence
A healthy garden is full of life, and that includes insects. By modeling ethical and responsible care for all creatures, we help students see that every species has a role to play. Celebrate pollinators with student-made signs, build habitat zones together, or host an “Insect Discovery Day.” These small, joyful actions help shift the narrative from control to coexistence. And over time, they plant something bigger: a mindset rooted in respect, wonder, and shared responsibility for the planet.
Start Where You Are
We invite you to take a moment to notice the tiny creatures around you. Watch a bee land on a blossom. Listen for the flutter of wings. Consider what might grow if we gave nature just a little more room to breathe and a few more flowers to land on.
Because when the gardens grow, the insects come back. And when the insects return, the web of life starts to mend—one flower, one garden, one student at a time.
Interested in bringing a school garden to a neighborhood near you? Learn more at a free 20-minute webinar.
