This sample 10′ x 10′ plot can be scaled up or down to fit your space – the information is rough but should help you plan your garden.
A good rule of thumb is to plant two nectar plants for every milkweed plant. Milkweed will, however, also serve as a nectar plant so you may want to err on the higher side for milkweed.
Space plants 12” to 18” apart. Planting will probably take a team of 6 people 2 hours, depending on the site prep needed.
Refer to other information on our website for site preparation and caring for your garden.
You will need 36-49 plants (depending on plant size).
Here are some rough quantities:
- Milkweed plants: need about 15-20 plants. Watch for Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy announcements about availability. Pesticide free milkweed is also available through the some local nurseries, including Watermark Woods Native Nursery, Hamilton VA, and through the Monarch Watch Milkweed Market.
- Nectar plants: need about 24-32 (ask for pesticide free).
- Compost or Topsoil: Virginia Ground Covers in Sterling, VA carries products and Home Depot carries Leafgro. If you have good soil you may not need this.
- Leaf Mulch: Virginia Ground Covers offers a leaf mulch called Karbon, which is very good – get enough for 100 sq. ft. Abernethy & Spencer, Purcellville, VA sells it in bags.
- Monarch waystation certification and sign. Go to the Monarch Watch store to certify and get your sign. You will also need a post to mount waystation sign.
