Insects are vital ecosystem engineers in our gardens. Small but mighty, they help create healthy, balanced environments where plants can thrive. Of course, not all insects are flying or scuttling above ground all the time, so to mark Insect Week, we’re going underground with RHS Principal Entomologist Dr Hayley Jones to explore the beetle larvae living in our soils. We’ll learn how to identify the species that benefit our gardens, and what to do about those that can cause problems.

Bee expert Rachel Richards from conservation charity Buglife joins us to reveal the remarkable diversity of solitary bees that may be nesting right outside your door, and share simple ways to support these important pollinators.

And finally, as the heatwave continues, we turn our attention to a seasonal favourite: strawberries. RHS Horticultural Advisor Chris Taylor shares his top tips for growing healthy, productive plants and getting the very best harvest. Plus a roundup of top tips based on the latest enquiries on rhs.org.uk

Email your questions to podcasts@rhs.org.uk

Host: Gareth Richards

Contributors: Hayley Jones, Rachel Richards, Chris Taylor

Links:

How to help hoverflies

Vine weevil

Chafers in garden borders

Ground beetle larvae and other predatory gardener allies

More in depth ID features for chafers and stag beetles

Previous episode on Hoverfly Heroes with Josie Stuart

How to help hoverflies

Strawberries