How To Plant A Magical Butterfly Garden

Did you know that there are about 20,000 butterfly species in the world? Unfortunately, the butterfly population is beginning to decline at an alarming pace due to pesticides, climate change, and development. As a result, species that were once quite common, such as the Monarch, are now endangered.

Many concerned gardeners are doing their part by avoiding harmful pesticides and chemicals in their yards. But, taking it a step further, they design a butterfly garden that attracts and provides these winged creatures with a haven.

Would you like to plant a butterfly garden! If so, keep reading to learn butterfly garden ideas and all the steps you need to take to make them a reality in your backyard!

Choose the Right Spot

Sunny spots are crucial for butterfly gardens. If you choose a shady area, the sun won’t warm up these cold-blooded creatures, and they won’t be very active.

Moreover, most flowering plants need several hours of sunlight every day to blossom. So choose an area in your yard that gets at least six hours of sun daily.

Select Butterfly Garden Plants

Butterflies need two different kinds of plants: host plants and nectar plants.

Host plants give them a place to lay their eggs and serve as a food source when the larvae hatch. They also support the chrysalises when it’s time for the caterpillars to turn into butterflies.

Some examples of host plants include:

• Milkweed
• Fennel
• Passion vine
• Sweet Bay Magnolia

Nectar plants are a food source for adult butterflies, so having plenty of these will lure pollinators into your yard:

• Lilac shrubs
• Butterfly bushes
• Purple Coneflower
• Butterfly and Joe Pye weeds
• Oregano
• Zinnia

Some plants may be more suitable than others for your butterfly garden, depending on where you live. Be sure to research the species in your area and the plants that attract them. If you need some extra help, ask local conservation centers or local garden shops for help planting your butterfly flower garden.

And, don’t forget to create resting areas for yourself too! Placing outdoor furniture in different spots will allow you to unwind and observe the beautiful butterflies seeking shelter in your yard. For ideas, check out collections at your local stores or this one at: https://www.harborclassic.com/collections/charleston.

Set Up a Puddling Station

Butterflies look for shallow water sources that are rich in salt and minerals. You can provide these by filling plant saucers with rocks and water. Be sure to change the water often and place them in visible areas.

Make Homemade Bait

Aside from colorful nectar-rich flowers, you can attract butterflies with sugar and yeast-based baits.

A simple butterfly bait you can make at home consists of rotting fruit mixed with molasses or white sugar. After mixing it, place it in area butterflies can easily access, such as on a flat rock.

Start Planting Your Butterfly Garden Today!

Planting a butterfly garden can be a lot of fun! So start researching the butterfly species in your area and their ideal habitat. And don’t forget to get your kids involved, which will help them learn about outdoor planting and creating a butterfly garden!

Would you like to learn more home-improvement tips that you can implement this summer? Then, check out more of our posts!