My thoughts exactly. We have to keep preparing for them even though they aren't there. I'm finding eggs of the Spicebush, but aren't seeing them. But, I am not finding eggs of the Monarch. I found a female, but she isn't gravid (pregnant). Oh, well, there's always tomorrow. I keep hoping and I keep watering.

I am a new gardener and planted my first passion vine this year. It is growing wonderfully and has finally started blooming but something is eating holes all in the leaves. The only insect that I can find on it are orange assassin bug nymphs. After doing some research I see that these bugs are beneficial and eat other bugs but could this be eating my passion vine as well?

why start them inside? for what you're growing, outside is easier, you have more space, you don't harden off, etc. this isn't new jersey! in your place, i'd start them in flats or plastic cups (plastic 2-3oz tumblers), mix of half peat half vermiculite. they won't grow much until the weather turns warmer, so wait until february. i find it helpful to start them in plastic bags or in special domes that trap humidity. you might also try to sow them in situ -- if they don't sprout, you can use the ones from the flats as backups... if they all germinate, give the extras away.

Hello everyone, I used to be very active around 2008-2010, but I had to put my passion for gardening in butterflies aside in order to focus on highschool. I have now graduated highschool, enrolled in college, and I am in the process of restoring my backyard gardens to their former beauty before they were ruined by drought and choked out by weedy grasses that grew after many heavy rainfalls. This time around, I am going to mix potting soil with the natural soil to help keep in moisture and use gardening mats to keep the weeds to a minimum. I was wondering if anyone had some plants (or roots, rooted cuttings, tubers, dormant clumps or roots) to spare for a trade or some type of sasbe or box. I am especially interested in natives (accross the USA) and Asclepias (other than Tropical Milkweed) to grow for Monarchs. I do have the proper tools and outdoor conditions to all types of Milkweeds even northern varieties. (I can go into detail upon request.) I have spent my free time researching the special growing conditions for many plants that are not native to the Rio Grande Valley, Texas (southern most tip of Texas) and have had success growing several northern varieties of Blackberries, which are extremely picky down here due to our humidity, heat, and soil. I have also grown Pears, Apples, and Plums, all of which are not native and should not be easy to grow here, yet here they are. If anyone is willing to work out a trade or something, please let me know! I am also interested in hearing about you all's gardens and what plants are most successful as nectar and host plants. Thank you all for your time, Danny (I also posted this in the Seed Exchange section, since this is only for plants)