Monarch butterfly populations are threatened primarily due to reduction in milkweed and nectar producing flowering plants along their migratory routes. Removal of the milkweed plant by farmers and homeowners by using herbicides has resulted in a dramatic reduction in populations of the monarch.

What can you do to help? Plant a mix of seeds to help the monarchs. The mix contains not only milkweed seeds but also seeds that will produce flowers for the adult butterflies to feed. We offer different mixes of seeds depending on your region. Choose from Intermountain, Southeast, California, Midwest-Northeast, Northwest and Southwest Monarch Butterfly Mix. 1/8 lb bag covers 500 sq ft.

Midwest - Northeast Monarch Butterfly Mix contains:

• Dwarf Sunspot Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Zinnia Pumila/Pompn Mix (Zinnia elegans)
• Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
• Swamp or Red Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Dwarf Lance-leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
• Praire Aster (rubbed) (Aster tanacetifolius)
• Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus)
• Ox-eye Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides)
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Plains Coreopsis (Coreopsis tinctoria)
• Bee balm, Wild bergamont (Monarda fistulosa)

The PV Save Monarch Kit, also known as the Pollinator and Beneficial Insect Habitat Mix, is a unique seed package designed to create a thriving habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects in your garden or landscape. This kit offers an easy and effective way to support the Monarch butterfly population while enhancing the biodiversity of your outdoor space.

Promoting Monarch Butterfly Conservation

One of the primary objectives of the PV Save Monarch Kit is to contribute to the conservation of the Monarch butterfly, whose population has been declining due to habitat loss and other environmental factors. This kit includes a carefully selected mix of seeds that serve as food sources and breeding grounds for Monarchs.

Diverse Seed Mix for Pollinators

The PV Save Monarch Kit features a diverse array of seeds, each chosen for its ability to attract and nourish pollinators and beneficial insects. The seed mix includes a variety of flowering plants such as:

1. Milkweed: Milkweed is a crucial host plant for Monarch caterpillars. This kit includes specific milkweed varieties that provide essential sustenance for Monarchs during their larval stage.

2. Nectar-Rich Flowers: The mix incorporates an assortment of nectar-rich flowers that attract not only Monarchs but also a wide range of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This diversity of nectar sources ensures year-round support for local wildlife.

3. Beneficial Insect Attractors: In addition to Monarchs and pollinators, the PV Save Monarch Kit invites beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which play a pivotal role in natural pest control. By establishing a thriving habitat for these insects, you can reduce the need for chemical pesticides in your garden.

Planting and Care Instructions

To make the most of the PV Save Monarch Kit, follow these planting and care instructions:

1. Select a Suitable Location: Choose a sunny spot in your garden or landscape where the seeds will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.

2. Prepare the Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained and free from weeds. You may need to clear any existing vegetation to create a clean slate for your seed mix.

3. Sow the Seeds: Broadcast the seeds evenly over the prepared area and lightly rake the soil to cover them. Water the seeds gently to help them settle into the soil.

4. Watering: Maintain consistent moisture for the first few weeks after planting to aid germination. Once established, the native plants in the mix are generally drought-tolerant and require minimal watering.

5. Watch for Wildlife: As the plants grow and bloom, observe the diverse array of wildlife that is attracted to your garden, including Monarchs, pollinators, and beneficial insects.

Supporting Local Ecosystems

By planting the PV Save Monarch Kit, you're not only beautifying your outdoor space but also contributing to the conservation of vital pollinators and beneficial insects. This seed mix promotes a more biodiverse and sustainable environment, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of nature right in your own backyard. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this kit offers a simple and impactful way to make a positive difference in your local ecosystem while nurturing the enchanting world of Monarch butterflies and other important wildlife.

Photo by Rob Routledge, Sault College, Bugwood.org