Second Generation Growing Strong

[Mona Miller]

My Monarchs mated from the offspring of the May 14 Monarch that visited my garden. Some are in first instar and others second. Now, I am wondering whether I will have enough milkweed to feed them.

How do you all cope with rounding up milkweeds? Do you have a favorite place to order that doesn't have pesticides? Any growing techniques that will get milkweed growing faster? Please share.

[sbannister]

Call all the local nurseries - That's what I did when my milkweed was getting sparse last year. And one had a few plants left in the fall. As to growing it faster, I don't know. You can get small plants to grow from old stems if you put them in water until they make roots, then plant them in mud. I hope this helps.

[Mona Miller]

After the caterpillars chomp for a while, I'll cut back the plants and replant the stems. Thanks.