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Written by Shona E., Rutgers Master Gardener of Somerset County
In the Fall of 2023, the Rutgers Master Gardeners of Somerset County Native Plant Team added a fifth bed to their plots in the RMGSC Teaching Garden. The 8’ x 45’ space is in a very wet area. The Native Plant Team was happy to take over the area, where it would highlight various wet-loving natives.
In March of 2024 the Somerset County 4-H Fair Theme was announced – Fairytales! Since fireflies require moist areas, both in the larval and adult stages, Fireflies – “Nature’s Own Fairies” was decided as the Master Gardener tent theme. The Teaching Garden Firefly habitat would be showcased.
A diagram was designed with plants in the shape of a firefly and a grant for $500 from the Native Plant Society of New Jersey was written and approved to allow for the purchase of around 140 native plugs. These included both native grasses and pollinator plants. Buying plugs at close to $3.50 a plug made it possible to plant the entire area at one time. There was a great survival rate! This was due to dedicated Rutgers Master Gardener volunteers who helped keep the area watered, especially during the brutal heat that we endured in June and July. It is essential for the first couple of years to keep small plants well watered – as plugs they were even more vulnerable!
Fireflies remain in their larval state the longest. As larvae, they need moist areas, where they will prey on slugs, snails and worms for 1 to 2 years. Instead of wood mulch, shredded leaves were used and pine needles were put around the edge of the entire planting.
As you can see from the diagram, there are 5 different grass species, which is where female fireflies hang out as adults, waiting on the signal from males above. The rest of the 15 species of plants are pollinator friendly that serve not only adult fireflies, but also other beneficial insects.