The Master Gardeners have taken on a project to help our monarch butterfly population. Several of them have planted seeds of Asclepias incarnata and Asclepias syriaca, two types of milkweed. Monarch butterflies lay their eggs exclusively on milkweed plants. They hope to have these plants available for the May 14th Plant Sale at the Arboretum.The seeds of Asclepias need a period of moist cold (stratification) before they will germinate. To aid in this, they are being started in plastic jugs. It is an interesting method. You can find many websites or youtube videos explaining this technique. This is one: SOWING SEEDS IN MILK JUGS. Maybe you want to try? Be sure to read the seed packet for specific planting instructions.
