Cicadas & Garden Plants: A Harmony in Nature

In the heart of summer, a symphony of buzzing fills the air, heralding the arrival of one of nature's most fascinating phenomena: the emergence of periodical cicadas. These winged creatures, with their distinctive black bodies and transparent wings, are a sight to behold in gardens across the country. But how do these insects, which spend most of their lives underground, interact with our garden plants? Let's delve into the fascinating relationship between cicadas and our green spaces.

Cicadas, particularly the periodical species like Magicicada septendecim and Magicicada neotredecim, are known for their 13- or 17-year life cycles. They spend most of this time as nymphs, feeding on sap from plant roots. When they emerge, they climb trees and other plants to molt into their adult forms, shedding their nymphal exoskeletons in a process called ecdysis. This transformation can have both positive and negative effects on our garden plants.

Impact of Cicadas on Garden Plants

Cicadas, as they emerge from the ground, can cause minor damage to young or tender plants. Their burrowing can disrupt shallow root systems, and their molting can leave behind debris that may clog drainage systems or accumulate on leaves, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis. However, these impacts are usually minimal and temporary.

On the other hand, the presence of cicadas can also benefit garden plants. Cicadas feed on sap from plant roots, which can stimulate plant growth. Additionally, the molted exoskeletons left behind by cicadas are rich in nutrients, acting as a natural fertilizer for plants. The buzzing of adult cicadas also plays a crucial role in pollination, as they attract other pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.

Cicadas as Natural Fertilizers

Cicadas, as they emerge from the ground, leave behind a nutrient-rich exoskeleton. This organic matter is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential minerals that plants need to thrive. As the exoskeletons break down, they release these nutrients into the soil, providing a natural boost of fertility to garden plants.

Moreover, the sap that cicadas feed on from plant roots can stimulate plant growth. By creating small wounds in the roots, cicadas trigger a response in the plant to produce more roots and foliage, leading to enhanced growth and vigor.

Cicadas and Pollination

Adult cicadas play a significant role in pollination, although they are not typically considered pollinators. Their loud buzzing attracts other pollinators like bees and butterflies to flowers, increasing the likelihood of successful pollination. This, in turn, promotes fruit and seed production in plants, contributing to the overall health and biodiversity of the garden.

Furthermore, the flowers that cicadas visit while feeding on nectar can also benefit from the transfer of pollen. While cicadas are not efficient pollinators like bees, their presence in the garden can still contribute to the pollination process, especially in areas where other pollinators are scarce.

Managing Cicadas in the Garden

While cicadas generally have a positive impact on garden plants, their emergence can sometimes be overwhelming. Large numbers of cicadas can strip trees and shrubs of their leaves, leaving plants vulnerable to pests and diseases. In such cases, it may be necessary to manage their populations to protect garden plants.

One way to manage cicada populations is to encourage natural predators like birds, bats, and spiders. Providing nesting sites and food sources for these predators can help keep cicada populations in check. Additionally, physical barriers like netting can be used to protect young or vulnerable plants from cicada damage.

Encouraging Natural Predators

Attracting natural predators to the garden is an effective way to manage cicada populations. Birds, bats, and spiders are all known to feed on cicadas, and providing them with suitable habitats can help control cicada numbers.

To attract birds, consider installing birdhouses, bird feeders, and birdbaths in the garden. Planting native plants that provide shelter and food for birds can also encourage them to nest in the garden. Bats can be attracted by installing bat boxes, while spiders can be encouraged by providing them with suitable webs and hiding places.

Protecting Plants with Physical Barriers

In some cases, it may be necessary to protect young or tender plants from cicada damage. Physical barriers like netting can be used to prevent cicadas from accessing these plants. Netting should be installed before cicadas emerge, and it should be secured tightly to the ground to prevent cicadas from burrowing underneath.

Additionally, covering plants with row covers or other protective materials can also help prevent cicada damage. These materials should be removed once the threat of cicada damage has passed to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent heat buildup.

In conclusion, cicadas play a fascinating and complex role in the garden ecosystem. While their emergence can sometimes cause minor damage to plants, their presence generally has a positive impact on garden health. By understanding and managing cicada populations, gardeners can harness the benefits of these remarkable insects while minimizing any potential drawbacks. So, the next time you hear the buzz of cicadas in your garden, remember that they are not just a sign of summer's arrival, but also a testament to the intricate web of life that exists in our green spaces.