How to Construct a Butterfly Garden
- 1). Locate the butterfly garden in a sunny, sheltered spot where winds will not affect the butterflies' rest and gathering of nectar. Because butterflies are cold blooded, they rely on the environment to warm their bodies for flying. A sunny, south-facing location, protected by shrubs or trees on the north provides a good spot to site a butterfly garden.
- 2). Provide water and puddles. Butterflies like to congregate around shallow puddles of water and mud to hydrate and get minerals that are not available in nectar. Place a wide, shallow saucer with pebbles near the garden.
- 3). Select plants for both larval and adult stages. Pick a variety of nectar plants with different blooming times and heights to attract butterflies throughout the summer season. Provide host plants for adults to lay their eggs on and for caterpillars to chew. Some butterflies will lay eggs only on one species of plant while others are less discriminating. Research the local butterflies and the types of plants they prefer for your particular growing zone.
- 4). Plant the garden. Lay down a thick layer of compost at least 3 inches thick and mix it in with the existing soil. Clump plants together to provide a mass of blooms to attract butterflies and provide adequate nectar. Water the garden well. Watering less frequently will promote deeper root growth and healthier plants. When establishing the garden, water three times per week if it is not raining.
- 5). Maintain the garden. Eliminate weeds, mulching the bed to keep weeds down and moisture in. Make sure water is constantly available. If perennial plants increase significantly in size, divide them in early spring or fall.