Monarch Season is in Full BloomWinter monarchs have entirely disbanded from their clusters and are crossing all international boarders. Canada has seen the arrival of the the first flying flowers. A few weeks behind these northern flyers are their offspring. As the monarchs are flying around pollinating they are also in search of milkweed. Milkweed is in full bloom. Most of the milkweed is ready for monarch caterpillars. Milkweed is rapidly growing all over North America. The monarchs are doing what they do best. Monarchs are laying their tiny eggs and a new generation is emerging to continue the migration.
Current Monarch Butterfly Activity in RenoNevada monarchs are believed to be a part of the western population of monarchs. The western monarchs are identical to the eastern monarchs in almost every way. The only difference is where they go during the winter. Western monarchs go west to over 200 locations in central and southern California. Warm weather is becoming more common across America. Monarchs love the warm weather. Have you been outdoors observing monarch activity? Its truly incredible. Monarchs have become very active in the northern Nevada area around Reno.
Beginning in June monarch sightings become much more frequent. To spot a monarch I find that looking toward the nearest milkweed plant is a good place to begin. Monarch butterflies flutter all around the milkweed. They know it is home. The female monarch will lay her eggs on the plant. June, July and August are the peak season for Monarch butterflies in most places. If you have milkweed in your garden then you may have monarchs as guests in your garden. Another option to find monarchs is to go out looking for them. Maybe a park or field edge has milkweed? It will certainly be a good place to begin looking. How are the Monarch's where you are?Tell about your experience seeing monarchs, eggs, caterpillars or chrysalis this year. Was it in your yard or were you traveling? Do you raise the butterflies and release them? Leave a link to your favorite monarch resource to help others conserve this insect.
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Seed starting in Spring requires a plan
My plan was to start early and with very low cost items that are commonly found around the house. The example I am using is for a very tiny window sill greenhouse seed starter. You could use a larger clear container and expand the capacity very easily. The one material that I did spend money on was the soil. For about $10 I grabbed a bag of Jiffy Natural and Organic Seed Starting Mix. Using a seed starting mix has proven, in my experience, to be a good value. The small roots do better growing unrestricted in the loose mixture.
2015 is an exciting year for milkweed. There are many private organizations and public nurseries that are working very hard to bring milkweed plants to local stores. Until their network is able to support the massive demand for milkweed you can use readily available milkweed seeds to begin growing asclepias plants in your home today. Tiny Greenhouse Update, Twelve Days Later
Update 5/12/2015
One Gallon Milkweed GreenhouseThe One Galon Greenhouse is Easy
I created a video documenting the metamorphosis of Andy.
I visited a great park along the Truckee River. I walked a few miles of paths. There are both bike paths and nature trails. The nature trail is very rustic. At one point I had to dart away from a snake in the grass.
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Site SearchAuthorMake milkweed your friend. Your friends will love your milkweed. My name is Brad. Learn more about me now. Blog Archives
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