As you plan for your spring garden, keep in mind the benefits of attracting butterflies to your yard! Not only do they offer unmatchable beauty, they’re also excellent pollinators that will help develop your organic garden. It will be awhile before they arrive, but now is the time to start considering what plants to add to your organic yard to attract a bounty of butterflies.
Organic Appeal: Using an organic lawn care regimen already gives you a head start on trying to draw butterflies to your garden. Chemicals like pesticides repel butterflies since they are poisonous. If you want your yard to be a safe haven for butterflies and other beneficial insects, commit to organic care for your lawn and garden.
Plant Purposefully: You have a range of options when it comes to planting a butterfly garden. They love native plants which isn’t a bad thing for your garden either. Native plants offer low maintenance options that will easily adapt to the environment. Being pollinators, butterflies are also drawn toward brightly colored, flowering plants. Since butterflies must first live through the caterpillar stage, you want to make your yard friendly to them as well. Consider these plants to attract both caterpillars and butterflies to your yard this year.
- Planting for Caterpillars
- Herbs are a main attraction for caterpillars. Add some fennel, parsley and dill to your organic herb garden for increased appeal.
- Passionflower is a great vine option to entice caterpillars and it’s pretty too! Plant some along a fence or near a trellis for added beauty.
- Planting for Adult Butterflies
- True to its name, the Butterfly Bush is a top choice for adult butterflies. Plant them in the spring or fall.
- Lantana can be planted in the spring after the last frost. Once the temperatures rise, lantana’s bright flowers will grow in abundance.
- Zinnias can be direct planted by seed or transplanted into your garden. Plant Zinnias in the spring after the last frost and be sure you keep the soil moist as they establish themselves.
- Milkweed is a favorite among Monarch butterflies. It can be planted after the final frost by seed or transplanting.
Feed Their Appetite: In addition to pollen and nectar-rich plants, you can also offer other sources of food to the butterflies. Purchase a nectar feeder or go the DIY route by setting out some past ripe fruit in a suspended dish. They’ll also be in search of water so adding a fountain can also help your cause.
While they may not grace you with their presence until summer and fall, you can start taking steps now to ensure your organic yard is a desirable place for butterflies to congregate. Plant now and give yourself something even more to look forward to in your garden!