
How to Plant and Grow Milkweed
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I live in Oregon near the Columbia River Gorge. I have a successful garden with four raised beds plus plenty of room for flowers. I planted Orange Milkweed which thrived for the past three years but have seen no Monarch butterflies yet my garden attracts birds, bees and moths. Is Oregon in the pathway of Monarchs? I realize they've been on the decline and want to help in the solution long term. Suggestions, please.
Thanks!
Monarchs may be found in eastern Oregon in the spring and summer, but it appears that they aren’t as common in western Oregon. So, you may be just out of their natural range! The best thing you can do for your garden is to plant native plants (and native varieties) that are naturally found in your area. This will attract the wildlife you want!
Do you buy milkweed seeds at feed stores? Or take them from fields and transplant
Hi Carol. I have lots of milkweed seeds that I collected last year. If you would like some, I’d be glad to share. No charge. I live in WV.
You can find milkweed seeds on a number of seed-selling websites, or you may be able to find them at your local nursery. You should also be able to find young plants at nurseries.
We wouldn’t recommend taking milkweed from the wild, as it should be left in its natural habitat! It also may be illegal in some places. If you happen to have a friend with milkweed on their property, perhaps they could give you some seeds at the end of the season.
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