How to Make a Butterfly Puddling Station

In this episode, Beverly Welch is joined by Angela Chandler from The Garden Academy. Bev and Angela are in the insectary garden to show you how to make a Butterfly Puddling Station.
The Organic Blend food mentioned in the video is now called "Organic Food Complete."
You can find the single bags here: arborgate.com/product/organic...
And the 5 bag special here: arborgate.com/product/organic...
arborgate.com/blog/video/vide...
- [Beverly] All you butterfly enthusiasts, we know you have the plants, the nectar, the larval. But are you ready to take it to the next level with puddling? Let us show you how. ♪ [music]
♪Hi. Welcome to The Arbor Gate. I'm Beverly Welch here in Tomball, Texas with my dear, dear friend, Angela Chandler of The Garden Academy. - [Angela] It's great to be back out here, Beverly.
- We're here in the insectary garden that we put together close to a year ago now, I believe.
- We did and it's filling out and maturing so beautifully. It's got gorgeous colors in it and you can see the insects coming in and out of it all day long.
- Well, I love it. But you know, one thing I wanted to ask you. With all the butterfly enthusiasm and, of course, the butterfly plants that we have here at The Arbor Gate, I've noticed one thing, that when it rains, all the butterflies seem to congregate around the puddles in the walkway where the crushed granite is. Why is that?
- You know, butterflies need moisture like all living things do. But in addition to that, they need minerals for their health. So they're drawn to the moist puddles because all of that soil has a different set of minerals that they can sip while they're sipping their fluids.
- Makes perfect sense. So unlike birds where we just want a shallow bowl of water, there's a technique to make a puddle for butterflies in your garden?
- There is. We're going to create an artificial puddle because the butterflies don't need or want open water. So we're going to kind of replicate what we see in nature along ditch sides and in your pathways here at The Arbor Gate.
- Well, you know, this is a perfect summer project for the family and not much is required.
- Not much is required. It's easy to maintain. This can be a kids project for the summer. They can enjoy building it, then they can enjoy watching...
- I love it.
- ...their butterflies all summer long.
- I love it. So we need a shallow basin birdbath or even something as simple as a saucer.
- That's right. And it can be put on a block or it can just be settled down into the soil which is kind of how they naturally, you know, look for little puddles anyway.
- Sure. Sure. So we've got our birdbath here, and you just have some basic sand.
- What this is is just regular sand like we use for other garden projects. And sand doesn't offer a lot of minerals so we're going to add a little something to this to make it mineral rich. But the one good thing about sand which you can see even as we're taking it out of the sack here is that it's pretty good about maintaining moisture. And we don't have to fill it up all the way to the top.
What we want is just something that when we do have rainfall or when we do fill this, that we don't have more than about an eighth of an inch to a quarter of an inch of free water standing on top of the sand. So that's your guideline for how far you actually want to go with it. So I think we're pretty close to that right there.
And time will smooth it out but we're going to start with it smoothed out. And then to add our minerals, there are a few things we can do. A handful or two of compost will work. Red salt, natural sea salts, will provide the minerals. But one of the good things about it and since we always have it on hand is that Arbor Gate Organic Blend also has a good mineral package in it.
And even though it seems kind of silly to us, insects are often drawn to manures when it has a little bit of that base in it too. So we don't need a lot. We just need a little to get it started. As soon as we add water, all of those minerals are going to disperse into the sand and butterflies are going to get everything they need.
- I love it. Another use for Arbor Gate Blend.
- It really is. How about we get it charged up?
- Okay. Perfect. So tell me when. So I'm going to just slowly add some water here.

[@venjenciearnold9658]

I love this. There are few butterflies that like ripe fruit but for puddles you want over ripe to even rotten fruit. I use shallow fruit containers and they already have holes in them then I add layer of sand on the very bottom over the holes. Then for the filling I have my fillings all ready, ready. This is where I take fruits, bit of garden soil, salt then compost cow manure blended up all together. Then I take the lid where the sand is ... make a few indentions in the sand especially for the bigger lids and/or containers. Then I pour the mixture over that & add some rocks, depending on the size of the container and my containers are pressed down into the yard in different areas. Another real good tip and when I blend up different fruits since I experiment with my container's and keep records which has which ingredients in it, how often I had to re-add and when, what type of butterflies, how many butterflies and what the dates were. So for 1 variety, so far the biggest puddling and more butterflies are attracted to this one. I get my container ready first by adding holes to the bottom of it then I add the sand... the filling is where I took bananas, salt, compost, & some garden soil, & (WHAT SEEMS TO BE THEIR FAV INGREDIENT) STOUT STRONG BEER, then blend it all together.... okay but the filling was already prepared the year before because after I blended it together then I placed it in the shed in a jug with a tight lid. About 4 to 5 times I go to the shed throughout those months and open the lid for a few minutes to let the pressure off, close it and wait. Yuk, I know but not to them. Butterflies and other insects that get nutrients from dung tend to prefer the dung of carnivores, which contains more sodium than that of herbivores. This behavior is called puddling, and is mostly seen in male butterflies. That's because males incorporate those extra salts and minerals into their sperm. The first time it mates, a male butterfly may give away a third of its sodium to its reproductive partner. They will feed off dead carcasses too. If you've ever been to a lake and saw a huge amount of butterflies in one area then it's because they're dining off some rotting fish. They also like sweat, blood, tears, human urine and of course dung and beer, rotting fruit. After mine are made then I just make sure to add to them when they dry out. m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2945675192318495&id=2253944324824922

[@BARCH-wp5vl]

Thank you

[@alliehamilton-calhoun162]

Thank you ladies so much for your video! I've raised monarchs & swallowtails for years now & have never been able to get them to puddle. Now I know I was doing it all wrong!

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

What were you doing wrong? I made one with play sand and mixed manure into it and also added a dish of old fruits but they’re not using it. I have monarchs. Only ants and flies are using it!

[@kinglyzard]

Great video! Puddling stations are important for male butterflies, who get their building blocks for their pheromones from alkaloids in the mud. In Florida, certain flowers obtain alkaline nectar and attract only male butterflies. They are often white (non alba) and usually fragrant. Even males of species that don't usually visit flowers will flock to these. White Coral Tree and Cestrum diurnum come to mind

[@juneritchie2498]

Thank you for this comprehensive discussion and demonstration. I have swallowtails and different types of bees in my garden every year and trust my new puddler will be helpful to them.

[@tatovive]

That was great! Lots of ideas shared, thank you!!

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

Great video with lots of info!! Ty!!!!

[@David-pk6lz]

Great information. Simply put, I am going to build one now. Thank you.

[@attleheideann1469]

Yes, Ma'am! Just subscribed--just love your work! Be encouraged to continue!

[@MsLinjohn]

I was drying a bowl of ripe Jujube fruits outside and then I noticed butterflies were eating my jujubes! They came everyday

[@williamtaylor2412]

love this

[@artistlovepeace]

Cool video! Thank you! Next spring I'm doing this!

[@christinakostadinova7579]

Thanks for the tips 💚🦋

[@sarahdiaz4904]

Great information!

[@sharpie-sniffingmanpurse3711]

Very helpful video :) I love the enthusiasm! It’s so cheerful and motivating

[@TMButterfliesD1821]

I like this channel and learn some new ideas

[@susanrenaud7109]

wasps love the fruit too

[@GRASSYELLOW]

Thanks. Let me make this.

[@TMButterfliesD1821]

I like your video

[@ravenlunatic7026]

I can't wait to make one of these....I live in FL, and all we have is sand, can I use my regular sand from the ground? I've seen butterflies drinking from the ground here, so there must be something they like about it.

[@NotErine]

Raven Lunatic i think

[@MichelleLowery]

Thank you for this video! It would be so helpful if you included a link to the Arbor Gate Organic Blend you use in the video (and to any products you mention in your videos). 🙂

[@ArborGateTomball]

Great suggestions! We've added links in the desciption. You can find the single bags here: arborgate.com/product/organic-food-complete/ and the 5 bag special here: arborgate.com/product/organic-food-complete-special-5-bags-for-the-price-of-4/

[@MichelleLowery]

@@ArborGateTomball Wonderful! Thank you so much!

[@tennesseenana4838]

Would adding Epson Salt to the sand mixture also work?

[@CreateGoodFX]

Great video~ Thank you! What can I use in place of your Arbor Gate Complete since I don't live in TX and can't come get it?

[@Mrs.marenholz]

Salt

[@Kminer007]

Can you Chip off pieces of a cattle mineral block and put in puddler for butterflies?

[@marthakratz7877]

How do you prevent it from getting too wet when it rains?

[@kinglyzard]

Keep the ctr higher than the rim of the puddle. You can add rocks or gravel for this purpose.

[@MsSaka100]

That banana is not ripe enough for butterflies! Mine love them when they are really mushy!

[@BARCH-wp5vl]

I your voice is mesmerising

[@elizabethyork8980]

Can I use mineral water?in place of compost..

[@marydiscuillo142]

What about flies wasps and ants? Sounds like a recipie for trouble. Esp with fruit and manure. Hope im wrong!! How often does the sand mixture need to be changed? ?Thx!

[@Hyraladen]

I can use any sand to add in a plate? And does it have to be sea salt? no cooking salt? And if I only have sea salt? How much do I spread on the sand? Or do I mix it in water first to dissolve it and then add it in the sand?

[@TheCheshireCats]

What about banana water. Where you throw banana peels into a bucket of water, close it and let it just rot... then use that water as a special booster on plants. Would the butterflies be interested in that brand of nasty or no? Also, can beach sand be used?

[@Mark-te8ky]

does ocean sand or sand by the water work? i think so right

[@smyrnasstory]

How often do I have to change it?

[@jameemaree4602]

Do the bee then need something nearby to produce honey?

[@RyanBrady113]

Great video! What is the puddler that you guys are using called, and where can I purchase one like it? Thanks!

[@alexandriapubliclibrary]

it looks like a glazed ceramic birdbath.

[@EdurtreG]

Nice one! Shady or sunny placement?

[@kinglyzard]

Sunny for best results, especially for fruit feeder.

[@lynnscarb]

If I have a problem with yellow jackets and hornets would putting out the rotting fruit be a mistake?

[@sharonsteinbrecher1955]

How do you keep the squirrels from getting at the fruit😜?

[@amorosa101457]

Won’t the rain wash that out?

[@lweather]

I'm in Florida also.....seems like this would breed mosquitoes. Do you have to keep changing out the water?

[@michaelconway644]

I don't think you leave enough space for standing water to accumulate. "puddling" is kind of misleading.

[@99PercentOffFreeHugs]

The water should be very shallow not even a full layer on top just small bits here and there. like half-palm-sized puddles. Think if like Polly pocket was splashing in puddles LOL There shouldn't be enough water for skeeters to breed. You can also plant some herbs mosquitos hate but butterflies love around where you keep your puddler if you like, some flowers are also very good at this! Glance at it every so often and if you see them them breeding you'll know you have too much water :) If you use a drip irrigation or a spray system those tiny little puddles left in the dirt are just perfect!

[@CruisingwithChooChoo]

I made a butterfly puddler for my monarchs two days ago and they don’t seem to want to use it. They fly around but never land. I made it with play sand and mixed some manure into it. I also placed a dish of old bananas and oranges on one side. The water keeps drying because the sand absorbs it. I keep filling with water and even when there’s water, the butterflies don’t use it. What am I doing wrong? If I decide to get rid of the puddler, what can I do with the sand and manure mix? Can I pour it in my garden? The puddler is only attracting ants and flies.

[@a.chandler6993]

You aren't doing anything wrong. If they are flying around, they will eventually figure out this is for them. Once they do, they will return to the puddle over and over. If you have problems with it drying too quickly, add a dripper. A shepherd's hook (plant hanger) can support a length of drip tubing, with a 1/4" valve and emitter at the top. Set it to just drip 5 - 6 times a minute.

[@venjenciearnold9658]

I do believe that Monarchs prefer fresh fruit. This puddling is for male butterflies This behavior is called puddling, and is mostly seen in male butterflies. That's because males incorporate those extra salts and minerals into their sperm. The first time it mates, a male butterfly may give away a third of its sodium to its reproductive partner. Now for the Monarchs and pretty butterflies that love nectar, I leave out fresh banana and such and use a sponge to soak up humming bird nectar and leave it out for them. m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2945675192318495&id=2253944324824922

[@jimmiller6704]

As I go down the comment section it seems like many questions aren't answered.

[@jvb0804]

How do you keep mosquitoes from breeding in it after a rain?

[@marydiscuillo142]

Ok i watched it again to see if i missed it but you didnt mention how to deal with flies and yellow jackets and mosquitos. Esp with fruit. I love the idea but worry about uninvited guests. Does anyone else have issues with this? Want to do this project but am concerned.

[@jetbrooks]

Sun or shade?

[@INFJparadox]

Great video! Where do you buy sand tho?

[@Nocturnal_Rites]

Home Depot should have some and it's inexpensive.

[@yakupunal2072]

134👍👍👍🔔🔔🔔🇹🇷süper

[@normav2226]

What about ants? I don't want ants in the fruit or my garden or yard

[@pepperderr1388]

How often would I need to refresh the sand or manure? Is it good for the season or do I have to keep adding to it?

[@high_fructose_corn_syrup]

I personally would add some compost/manure every once in a while. Especially after a hard rain, it would probably wash lots of minerals away

[@terrybuckalew6874]

would that attract mosquitoes

[@kinglyzard]

Not if maintained

[@kelvinquinn5417]

F

[@ericvandamme6913]

It’s impossible to keep sand moist for butterflies

[@buipham123]

If Arbor Gate can’t be bothered to answer questions, the comment section should be turned off.

[@haha7567]

Would butterflies damage any of the other plants?

[@kinglyzard]

Caterpillars of most butterflies are picky eaters and will only eat one or two things. Cabbage whites might attack your veggie garden, but if you see a Monarch on anything but Milkweed, he's there to make a chrysalis, not a meal of your Geraniums.