I'm always learning from other experienced growers and Bunty is one of the best I know, this video blog format means it is easy to follow here grow many crops from seed to harvest . . . These gardening networks are all about sharing information and Bunty's blog is a wealth of great information. Here is a link that might be useful: Bunty's Blog

Thanks for the info! I will add link to my favorite list.

Sounds like you're off to a good start, Shannon! You might want to plant some additional milkweed, as I've found that the Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) really doesn't attract the Monarchs to lay eggs, but it is supposedly a great nectar plant (I can't grow the stuff, drat!). Other hosts you might want to plant (you're in the Midwest, east of the Rockies, right?), are fennel, dill, or curly parsley for the Black Swallowtails. Also, Rue, if you can find it locally. Pipevines (which you will almost certainly have to order because they are rarely found in nurseries, if at all) for the Pipevine Swallowtails. Check out the website, www.butterfliesandmoths.org and click on "Maps". Then click on your state and you will get a list of the butterflies that frequent your area. The maps will indicate the part of the state (counties) that you are most likely to find a certain species. It will also tell you the host plants (if you click on specific species of butterflies) for that butterfly and where they are more likely to be found, e.g., woods, open fields, gardens, etc. I use this a lot. Not all of them are updated, but I have noticed that it has recently been updated with newer photos (live butterflies, where it used to be a lot of pinned specimens). Susan Here is a link that might be useful: Butterflies and Moths

Hey greenjuice, You can get gardening books at the local library. Lot's on gardening in the deep south with all the humidity. Let us know when you get here. We love to share. Will you have an established garden or a clean slate? You'll love the food here as well. And festivals every weekend. Lots to do and see. There's a garden show at the New Orleans botanical garden, I think it's in October. I posted a link for you. Happy gardening. Brenda Here is a link that might be useful: http://neworleanscitypark.com/nobg.html