Do you want to help out the monarch butterfly?
Asked by
syz (
35938
)
October 2nd, 2018
Did you know that the eastern monarch butterfly populations have decreased by 90%, largely due to mass spraying of weed killers? You can help by simply planting a small patch of milkweed (the host plant for monarch caterpillars, as well as a nectar source for adults). I have milkweed seeds available, and if you’re serious about planting it, just message me and I’ll let you know where to send a SAS envelope to get free seeds.
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14 Answers
My Monday morning volunteer job is at a nature and environment education center, and we also try to make people aware of such things as decreasing populations of all kinds of animals.
Last spring we gave away (together with an info leaflet) seed bombs; meant to be thrown around (on an earth surface) wherever you go, so that flowers would bloom at unexpected places, all around the area I live in.
These bombs were specifically made with butterflies in mind.
I’ll ask about the Monarch butterfly (and the Milkweed) and its state, in the Netherlands, next week.
Great initiative of you, kudos!
Edit to add: Apparently there have been only fourteen sightings of this butterfly here.
It’s on the red list.
Yes I do, and have planted swan plant seeds which for some time became in my country the popular thing to do to encourage monarch butterfly populations, but “popular” is by definition a temporary word and sadly the phenomenon of monarch numbers have declined at the same time many interested in them did.
I already have a patch of milkweed in my yard just off my deck as well as several butterfly bushes. I was pleased to see this year that the butterflies were returning to our area!!!
Absolutely! Please sign me up, I have plenty of space.
Will the plants survive USDA Zone 6B weather?
Do they need to be planted and watered and nurtured, or are the milkweed a seed that can be tossed and then let if grow for itself?
I do, but I’m west coast. :(
I have done seed bombs myself, @rebbel. I just did it, without any organized project.
I don’t have any milkweed in my yard just now.
My old neighbor mowed for me, in return for some free babysitting. The downside, she mowed everything, garden attempt and all.
I have new neighbors now, so I may try again.
I have involved my daughter though. When she is out walking, during the pod pop time of year, she retrieves some of the seeds, and gives them an assist.
We live in an area of many non mowed locations.
I live in a semi-arid region of So Cal, but if milkweed can thrive here without using fertilizer, I’d like to help.
BTW, how much did Florence affect you? I hope you and your milkweeds are doing okay.
I did my homework and see that they will grow in my area. :-)
They prefer full sun and to be planted in the fall so the seeds can overwinter in the damp soil.
Thanks for doing this!
@Caravanfan WRONG!!! I was raised that “love is BLIND”. I adopt every ugly, disabled animal that I can find & I LOVE them just like they are beautifil because to me they ARE!!!
What I’ll be mailing out is common milkweed. Just stick them in the fridge for 6 weeks to cold stratify (or when you get them) and plant them in the spring in a sunny area that doesn’t get mowed. You can water to get them started, but they may do just fine on y\their own. Don’t forget to message me if you’re interested.
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