How to Build a Butterfly Habitat

A well-planned butterfly habitat doesn't attract only mature butterflies. It also encourages them to lay eggs and continue providing the habitat with future generations of butterflies. Once you create the habitat, you can expect to receive visits from various species of butterflies. Watch as caterpillars become cocoons, and cocoons open to reveal butterflies. A butterfly habitat can be as small as a few plants on a front porch, or as large as an entire backyard. Even novice gardeners can create a small butterfly habitat. Here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Outdoor area for garden, or pots
• Host plants
• Nectar-rich plants
• Watering can

How to Build a Butterfly Habitat

1. Research which butterfly species are native to your area. This will allow you to plant efficiently to attract those specific species. See the Resources section below for more information.

2. Choose a spot that receives adequate sunlight. Butterfly habitats should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.

3. Plant host plants for butterflies to lay their eggs on and caterpillars to feed on. These are the plants that will feed and shelter caterpillars. Common host plants include milkweed, spicebush, violets and snapdragons.

4. Add some nectar-rich plants. These are the plants that will attract mature butterflies. Common nectar-rich plants include butterfly bush, honeysuckle, lilacs, fire bush and sunflowers.

5. Provide the butterfly habitat with a water source. Butterflies do not require much water. Simply dampen three or four spots on the ground each day with the watering can. These "puddling stations" will provide sufficient water for butterflies.

6. Keep an eye on the butterfly species that visit the habitat. If you notice a new species, adjust your planting to accommodate them.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant several groupings of host plants throughout the butterfly habitat. This way if a predator destroys one group of eggs or caterpillars, you'll still have other groups in the habitat. The National Butterfly Association encourages novice butterfly gardeners to choose plants labeled butterfly-friendly. Include plants that bloom at different times throughout the season. This will keep butterflies interested in your butterfly habitat.

Resources

• Gardens With Wings
• Project Wildlife: Butterfly Habitats
• North American Butterfly Association