Creating a monarch-friendly garden is one of the best ways that Oklahomans can help butterflies on their migration. Experts say native plants, milkweed, and proper planning make all the difference.
Here’s what you need to know, with the assistance of Codi Waters from Prairie Wind Nursery.
About Codi Waters and Prairie Wind Nursery
When is the best time to plant a monarch garden?
Monarchs migrate through Oklahoma in spring (March through May) and fall (August through October). Planting in either of their seasons will benefit the butterflies; however, fall planting should be completed before the first frost, typically around the beginning of November.
If you plant in the fall, select perennials that will return in the spring.
Codi Waters on getting started
Where should I plant my monarch garden?
Experts recommend choosing a sunny spot that receives 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day, ideally sheltered from strong winds. If your yard is exposed, use shrubs or tall grasses as windbreaks. A nearby water source makes it easier to keep plants hydrated until they’re established.
According to Okies for Monarchs, bigger is better, but acres aren’t necessary to help monarchs. A 100-square-foot garden is ideal, but even patio pots with milkweed and nectar plants can provide food and rest stops for migrating butterflies.
Okies for Monarchs provided the following recommended diagrams for a monarch garden below.
Image Provided By: Okies for Monarchs
Image Provided By: Okies for Monarchs
Why are native plants so important?
Native plants attract pollinators like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds because they’re adapted to Oklahoma’s climate and soil. According to Waters, they require less maintenance and provide nectar across the growing season.
Garden plants native to Oklahoma include, but are not limited to:
Anise Hyssop (Agastache)Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucantum)Blanketflower (Gaillardia pulchella or aestivalis)Blue Mist Flower (Conoclinium coelestinumBlue grama grass (Bouteloua gracilis)Dill (Anethum graveolens)Lazy Daisy (Aphanostephus skirrhobasis)Milkweed ‘green’ (Asclepias viridis)Milkweed ‘butterfly’ (Asclepias tuberosa)Milkweed ‘tropical’ (Asclepias curassavica)Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
Milkweed is essential because it’s the only plant monarchs lay eggs on, and the only food their caterpillars eat. Waters recommends at least 10 milkweed plants of two or more species per 100 square feet.
Monarchs also need nectar sources from flowers that bloom at different times from spring to fall.
Experts suggest starting small and adding each season. Pick one or two plants that you like and build from there.
For small gardens, plugs (young plants ready for the soil) give the fastest results. Seeds are cost-effective for large areas. Some gardeners may use a mix of both to speed up growth while establishing long-term sustainability.
Is it hard to start a garden of fully native plants?
How do I maintain the garden?
While plants native to Oklahoma are relatively easy to care for, Okies for Monarchs offers several tips to maintain a garden’s well-being.
Okies for Monarchs recommends gardeners to water regularly until plants are established, especially during hot days. Mulch is recommended to hold moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid pesticides, which can harm monarch butterflies and other pollinators. In late fall, cut back stems and clear debris to reduce pests and diseases.
To make the garden attractive, group plants by color, mixing them in distinctive clumps for a curated display. Many species bloom at different times, keeping the garden colorful year-round.
What else helps butterflies?Provide shallow containers with wet mud for minerals.Add stones for butterflies to perch and warm themselves.Plant native grasses alongside flowers to shelter pollinators.
More information can be found on the Okies for Monarchs official website.
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