How can beginners start a simple butterfly garden?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.When you consider starting a butterfly garden, it may seem like a lot to put on a beginner's shoulders. Still, it truly is quite simple when approached in the right way. Concentrate on three core components.:host plants, like milkweed, safe water sources, and native nectar plants.You should do your best to avoid using pesticides altogether.You can start small, implementing pots or a space of 4 feet by 4 feet.Your new habitat may attract butterflies within weeks.
Host Plants
- Plant three milkweed seedlings for monarchs
- Use four-inch pots for easy transplanting
- Space plants twelve inches apart
Water Station
- Create shallow dish with sand and stones
- Maintain water depth under two inches
- Position near morning sun exposure
Nectar Plants
- Add one lantana or zinnia plant
- Choose nursery starts for instant blooms
- Avoid seeds as a beginner
Begin your journey with three milkweed plants in containers. Move them to your sunniest area. I initiated my first garden on a balcony in my apartment. These plants cost no more than twenty dollars. Water them every day for the first two weeks. You will want to check the leaves every day for tiny eggs that monarchs lay. You will see the eggs as small, white dots, smaller than the size of a pinhead.
Quickly arrange an uncomplicated water station. Use a shallow bowl or cake pan. Fill the dish half full with builder's sand. Add water until it gleams across the surface. Add flat stones around the perimeter. Butterflies can safely drink as they perch on the rocks. Never allow water to completely cover the stones.
Add one native nectar plant, such as a lantana. Plan to use nursery starts rather than seeds, as they will bloom faster. Place it near the milkweed plant; butterflies will pick up on both food sources at once. Avoid using pesticides altogether; even organic sprays are a problem for caterpillars. If you happen to find a pest, you may want to handpick the problem.
Give your garden a daily checkup. Inspect milkweed leaves for chewing. That indicates that the eggs have hatched and the caterpillars have emerged. In about three weeks, you will have butterflies. Gradually expand by adding parsley for swallowtail butterflies. Before you know it, you will have several species. Your little commitment makes a huge difference in your local ecology.
Start your butterfly garden. Purchase some milkweed plants today. Set up a dish of water this evening. Beginning next season, please refrain from using pesticides. Each simple action is contributing to the improvement you are making. The environment will respond quickly. You will soon have your first butterflies.
Read the full article: How to Create Butterfly Garden in 7 Easy Steps
