Of the millions of species of insects in the world, few are actually harmful to garden plants. In fact, many species, known as beneficial insects, support gardens by feeding on particularly harmful insects, states the gardening team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

Beneficial insects are the species of insects that support the health of plants through either pollination or pest control.

It’s possible to encourage beneficial insects to reduce the harm of nuisance insects without resorting to chemical sprays, which can kill both.

While honeybees, bumblebees, and butterflies need no introduction, other insects—predators rather than pollinators—may be less familiar.

Here are some beneficial insects you want to start attracting.

1. Wasps

There are many different species of wasps in South Africa, the most common ones are the paper wasps, yellow jackets and hornets. Paper wasps are beneficial, feeding on many pest insects, arthropods and any other pests that may show up.

2. Ladybirds (also known as Ladybugs)

The ladybird, whose jazzy wing markings are always a delight to see, are one of our biggest allies.

Ladybirds are more than just a pretty visitor in your garden. Did you know that they can eat up to 60 aphids per day? Ladybirds are nature’s nurses who protect your plants, leaving you with peace of mind.

3. Earthworms

Now that it’s raining more often, you’re bound to find one or two of these in your garden. They have no eyes, legs or lungs, but did you know that the presence of earthworms in your garden is a sign that your soil is healthy? They clean your soil, keep it aerated and build soil fertility through their digestion of organic matter. Add more organic matter to your soil to attract more earthworms. The healthier your soil is, the better your vegetable harvest!

4. Praying Mantis

This majestic insect enjoys preying on those pests that feast on your vegetables. So next time you spot one in your garden, let it continue with its daily duty.

5. Spiders

These eight-legged creatures creep out a lot of people, but don’t let their bad reputation fool you because these predators are welcome in your veggie and herb garden. They trap the nasty pests in their spider-webs, so that you don’t have to get rid of them yourself, and many of them are not harmful to humans. Embrace them, don’t kill them.

6. Butterflies

Butterflies have more to them than just beautiful colours that catch your eye in the sunlight as they flutter in our gardens. While they feed on nectar from the flowers they land on, they collect pollen with their feet and move pollen from one flower to the next. This fertilizes the plant so that it can produce seeds and fruit.

7. Ground Beetles

Weeds can ruin your vegetable garden, which is why you need to stop them at the source. Luckily, ground beetles have developed a taste for the seeds, and their preferred flavour comes from weeds and the seeds that weeds produce.

So the next time you see one of these beautiful little guys, keep them around in your garden as these little soldiers will defend and protect your plants.

Did you know that pork is the world’s most popular type of meat? It contains important minerals and vitamins, promoting muscle growth and maintenance.

The best cooking methods when it comes to Pork are frying, grilling or roasting. You can go from the simple grilled pork chops, or try an indulgent escalope cut from the pork fillet. And if you are looking for some great meals, then you need to try out the dishes created by the culinary team at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa.

The team have provided some tips on how to best cook the different cuts of meat.

1. Pork Belly

Pork belly is not, as you may think, the stomach. It is the flesh that runs on the underside (the belly) of the pig and surrounds the stomach. It is one long cut of meat with plenty of fat worked into the meat, which is why it is prized for curing and turning into bacon or pancetta. It can also be cooked fresh and is often seen on menus as “roasted pork belly.

2. Pork Loin Chops

Several different cuts can be called pork chops. All are great grilled, or pan-fried. Note that thicker cut pork chops, with the bone still attached, cook up the juiciest and most flavourful.

3. Pork Shoulder Chops

Pork shoulder chops are from the blade roast and are fattier and a bit tougher than other “chops.” They can still be grilled, roasted, or pan-fried to great effect, especially if marinated or tenderized beforehand, but they can also stand up to longer, slower cooking methods, like roasting.

4. Pork Cutlets

Pork cutlets are usually lean steaks similar to sirloin chops, but meatier and boneless. They are best used for making a schnitzel, which is a pork cutlet coated with breadcrumbs and pan fried.

5. Ham

Ham is from the top of the pork leg (the bottom is the shank). It can be sold fresh, boiled, smoked or cured.

6. Pork Loin

Cuts from the pork loin are the leanest and most tender parts of the pig. The most traditional way of preparing this cut of meat is to roast it. But be careful to avoid overcooking any cut of pork from the loin (they usually have the word “loin” in their name, i.e., tenderloin, loin chop, etc). It’s best to slow cook the meat, on a low heat.

7. Pork Back Ribs and Spare Ribs

Pork back ribs are often called baby back ribs, and are lovely when smoked and marinated. They are not as meaty or fatty as Spare Ribs, but they cook faster and are super tender. Pork spare ribs are thicker, meatier and juicier than the back rib.

8. Pork Roasts

Like pork chops, many cuts get sold as “pork roasts.” They can be sold either bone-in or deboned, but any meat with the bone in tend to be juicier and have more flavour.

9. Pork Sausages

Many sausages are traditionally made with pork. Some are fresh and need cooking; others are already cooked, smoked or cured when sold and need heating up.

There are so many more cuts of pork, from shanks to shoulder, butts and tenderloin, and of course lard for cooking. For those who are more adventurous, there are also the cheap cuts from trotters, knuckles or the organs. But when next at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, you will be sure to taste some of the best pork dishes around.