Part II of my small miracles day doesn’t have the beauty of the newly hatched Swallowtail butterfly, but it will help facilitate more miracles. I grow dill and other host plants for Swallowtail butterflies each year. This season I was determined to also grow plants for Monarchs.
I have managed to sprout some milkweed seeds by the winter-sowing method. Because I know the milkweed has a tap-root I chose to sow the seeds in peat pots and enclosed them in a recycled food container during the winter months. They have sprouted. I will get them in the ground as soon as possible so that the tap-root will not be disturbed and the plants will have a better chance at survival.
Asclepias syriaca: Common milkweed is the host plant for Monarch butterflies.
“Monarchs cannot survive without milkweed; their caterpillars only eat milkweed plants (Asclepias spp.), and monarch butterflies need milkweed to lay their eggs. With shifting land management practices, we have lost much milkweed from the landscape.” ~ Monarch Joint Venture
I know the assessment of Monarch Joint Venture is true. I can name three parcels of land within a mile or two of my home where I once saw milkweed. All three have been built upon, weed whacked, or decimated by the relentless need to clear land for business purposes. I’m sure this same problem is rampant across the country.
Due to the loss of habitat for monarchs, this year I collected a bit of seed from a milkweed patch to grow in my gardens. I’ll be planting the sprouts soon so that the long root can develop unhindered. I also have several milkweed seeds in my freezer. I’ll plant a few in my garden beds and also find some areas near me where they might have a chance to grow. If you want to participate in helping Monarch butterflies survive and thrive you can find some good tips here: Monarch Butterfly Garden.
MINDING MY P'S WITH Q 
I wish you could send me some of those milk weed seedlings or seeds, Kathy. Last year I got some seeds of milkweed through ebay but they didn’t grow. I saw a third butterfly today.God is great.
Have you made any butterfly puddling treats this year?
I love your butterfly posts.
Susie
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Hi Susie, I’ve checked on sending seeds overseas and for the most part, unless you have a certificate of inspection of some kind with them it is prohibited. Maybe you could contact the Monarch site link in the blockquote box they could tell you if they can send seeds to your area or give you a good source. I’m so glad you saw another butterfly. I haven’t made any puddling areas yet since the butterflies aren’t out in full force yet. I should do it soon. I also have seen some other ideas for making a feeder out of sponge. I might try that too this year. Kathy
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Kathy, Thank you for the message- I didn’t seriously mean for you to send me the seeds/seedlings- it was just wishful thinking. I will visit the monarch butterfly link and see if they can do so.
Thank you so much,
Susie
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I hope they can send you some Susie. I have read the decline of monarch host plants and habitat is a real problem. Kathy
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I think the plant we call a butterfly bush might be milkweed. The butterflies certainly enjoy it. My daughter found two black and yellow caterpillars on a plant she thinks is milkweed.
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The Swallowtails are black and yellow in different stages. They like dill plants, and Queen Anne’s lace, anything in the carrot family. If the plant is milkweed I think she might be seeing monarch caterpillars. I would be so excited. I see a lot of swallowtail caterpillars, but not many monarchs.
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