Instructions
Follow these steps to plan your butterfly garden renovation. This project combines math, biology, and project management to ensure your garden is a success.
- Measure the Site: Use a measuring tape to find the dimensions of your garden bed.
- Calculate Materials: Determine how much soil and how many plants you need based on your measurements.
- Research Plants: Identify which flowers will attract butterflies and provide a home for caterpillars.
- Create a Shopping List: Finalize the supplies needed to present to your "project partner" (Dad).
- Challenge Yourself: Complete the extension question at the end for bonus points!
Part 1: Geometry in the Garden
Before buying anything, you need to know the size of your space. Most garden beds are rectangles.
The Formulas:
- Area = Length × Width
- Volume (Soil) = Area × Depth (How deep you want the new dirt to be)
| Section | Length (ft) | Width (ft) | Total Area (sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Main Bed | 10 ft | 4 ft | 40 sq ft |
| Garden Bed A | |||
| Garden Bed B (if applicable) | |||
| Total Garden Area | Sum: |
Soil Calculation: Most garden soil is sold in bags of 2 cubic feet. To find out how many bags you need, decide how deep you want your new soil to be (measured in feet). Hint: 3 inches is 0.25 feet.
- Total Area (sq ft) × Depth (0.25 ft) = Total Cubic Feet needed: ____
- Total Cubic Feet ÷ 2 (bag size) = Total Bags to buy: ____
Part 2: Botanical Research
Butterflies need two types of plants: Nectar Plants (for food) and Host Plants (where they lay eggs and caterpillars eat). Research local plants and fill in the chart below.
| Plant Name | Type (Nectar or Host) | Height | Butterfly it Attracts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Milkweed | Host | 3-4 feet | Monarch |
Spacing Rule: Most perennials need about 1.5 square feet of space. Calculation: Total Garden Area ÷ 1.5 = Maximum Number of Plants: ____
Part 3: The Master Supply List
Now, organize everything you need to purchase. Don't forget tools and mulch to keep weeds away!
| Item Description | Quantity | Estimated Cost (Optional) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Garden Gloves | 2 pairs | $10.00 |
| Soil Bags | ||
| Mulch Bags | ||
| Plants (Total from Part 2) | ||
Part 4: Critical Thinking
1. The Sun Factor: Most butterfly plants require "Full Sun" (at least 6 hours a day). Observe your garden spot. Does it get enough sun? If not, how might you change your plant list?
2. Seasonal Bloom: If all your flowers bloom in June and die in July, the butterflies will have no food in August. Look at your plant list. Do you have a mix of early, mid, and late-summer bloomers?
Bonus Challenge
The Water Feature: Butterflies can't drink from deep water; they need a "puddling station." Describe how you could create a safe place for butterflies to drink using a shallow dish, sand, and a few stones.
Answer Key
Part 1: Calculations
- Area: Multiply length by width.
- Cubic Feet: Area multiplied by depth (usually 0.25 for 3 inches or 0.5 for 6 inches).
- Bags: Divide total cubic feet by the bag size (usually 2).
Part 2: Plant Suggestions (Varies by region)
- Nectar: Butterfly Bush, Zinnia, Coneflower (Echinacea), Marigolds, Lantana.
- Host: Milkweed (Monarchs), Parsley/Dill (Black Swallowtails), Pawpaw trees (Zebra Swallowtails).
- Plant Count: Area divided by 1.5. (e.g., 40 sq ft / 1.5 = approx 26 plants).
Part 3: Supplies
- Should include: Soil, Mulch, Plants, Trowel/Shovel, Watering Can or Hose, Gardening Gloves.
Part 4: Critical Thinking
- If shady, student should look for shade-tolerant pollinators like Joe Pye Weed or Cardinal Flower.
- A good plan includes a variety of bloom times to support the entire butterfly life cycle.