Plant Butterfly Garden in April and May

April and May are perfect for starting a butterfly garden.  The soil is warm enough for annual seeds, such as Mexican sunflower and zinnia, to germinate.  Choose a sunny location for both plants’ and insects’ needs.   Preparing the bed now can prevent many problems down the road.  Both heavy clay and coarse sandy soils benefit by adding compost.  Compost enriches the soil with nutrients, beneficial micro-organisms and much more.  It gives your plants a jump start and ensures their future success.  After the soil is amended, sprinkle the chosen seed crops and lightly rake them into the bed – not too deep.  A thin top dressing of straw mulch ensures gentle watering and a safer environment for seedlings.       

Inviting butterflies to your garden is easy, exciting and quite colorful.  These delicate creatures are insects and accommodating their four life stages is key when planning the garden.

For butterflies to lay the eggs that hatch to caterpillars, host plants are required.  Each butterfly species is picky, but some easy plants to start with are parsley and fennel.  These and other members of the parsley family host several swallowtail butterflies.  Caterpillars do nothing much but chew and chew, so plant several host plant clumps.  The pupae or chrysalid stage is less need specific.  Any sturdy stem or nearby garden bench with protected surroundings will suffice.  The complete cycle takes about a month on average.  Once the adult, winged insect emerges, nectar plants will be necessary so the cycle can continue.

Butterflies are dependant on the sun for body heat.  A warm, sunny garden has more productive, colorful plants and butterflies.   Stepping stones for the gardener are also heat-collecting spots for butterflies.   

Adult butterflies need nectar for energy. Long-blooming annuals are perfect. Consider the Aster family.  Their compound flowers provide one-stop shopping since each contains multiple high-energy drinks.  Large waves of color are also more attractive to a butterfly’s compound eyes than single plants.  Bright colors and rich nectar are essential.

Remember to provide host plants specific to the butterfly species in your region.  The U.S. Geological Survey Web site, http://www.npsc.nbs.gov/resource/distr/lipid/flyusa/bflyusa.htm has a tremendous list of species by region, including habitat requirements and photo ID information.

Although butterflies can’t drink from a water container like birds, they still benefit from moist areas.  Create a puddle in the garden by depressing a shallow tray filled with sand.  It will collect and hold water without breeding mosquitoes.  A little soil in the mix will also provide a beneficial mineral reservoir. 

Finally, butterflies can be harmed by broad spectrum insecticides.  If insect pests become a problem, apply a soap or oil spray so as not to injure the colorful, beneficial insects.

Source: Kerry Smith, Extension horticulture associate, Alabama Cooperative Extension System.