How to Make Butterfly Nectar

Butterflies are such a charming addition to any garden. A great way to draw butterflies into your yard is with homemade nectar. Place the nectar into shallow containers or place on brightly colored sponges close to plants butterflies flock to. Creating butterfly nectar is extremely easy and requires little time or energy from you.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Bring water to boiling on your stove or in your microwave.

2. Add one part sugar to four parts boiling water.

3. Stir to dissolve the sugar.

4. Allow to cool completely before placing outside.

5. Place the butterfly nectar in a shallow container or pour over a brightly colored sponge. Place outside near brightly colored plants to attract butterflies. Feel free to suspend the sponge from a branch or tree to attract butterflies.

6. Change the solution once a week, making sure you scrub out the container to prevent mold and the growth of harmful bacteria.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your garden is welcoming to butterflies with patches of warm sun, sheltered areas and brightly colored plants butterflies are attracted to, such as Butterfly Weed, Asters and Day Lilies.

• Butterflies are also attracted to beer and fruit. Consider using stale beer or overripe fruit in place of the sugar water.

• The butterfly nectar also attracts bees, wasps and ants, so be cautious about where you place it.

• Refrigerate the sugar solution for up to one week.