🦋 Why Monarchs Love Milkweed (and Why We Should Too!)
Butterflies love it!
Monarch butterflies are super cool—but they’re also in trouble. Their numbers have been going down, and they need our help.
Here’s the deal:
Milkweed is the ONLY plant where monarch butterflies lay their eggs. And when the tiny caterpillars hatch, milkweed is the only food they can eat! No milkweed = no monarchs. 😢
But here’s the good news:
YOU can help by planting milkweed! Watching a caterpillar turn into a butterfly is totally amazing—and by planting milkweed, you become part of the monarch’s rescue team. 💪🦋🌱
Plant Your Own!
Planting milkweed is one of the easiest ways to help save monarch butterflies. These special plants give monarchs a place to lay their eggs and food for their hungry caterpillars. Whether you grow them inside or outside, every milkweed plant makes a difference!
🌱 How to Grow Your Own Milkweed
👉 Option 1: Start Indoors
- Fill a cup or tray ¾ full with potting soil
- Drop in 3–4 seeds and gently cover with more soil
- Water it well and put it in a sunny window
- Keep the soil a little damp (not soggy!)
- In about 10 days, little plants will pop up!
- When the plant has 4 real leaves, it’s ready to go outside
👉 Option 2: Plant Outside
- Wait until the last frost is over (so the seeds don’t freeze!)
- Sprinkle seeds on top of the soil and cover lightly
- Water often until your plants are strong
- Milkweed loves sunny spots, so pick a bright, open area
- Space the plants out—about 1–2 feet apart
🌼 Pro Tip: Monarchs aren’t the only ones who love milkweed—bees and other pollinators do too!
So go ahead—be a milkweed hero! 🦸♂️🦸♀️
Let’s help monarchs make a comeback, one plant at a time.
Living Earth Council 