You might check with the creator of this documentary. He has the western side of the story as he’s in WA state, but he is so innovative, he may have some good ideas or pointers to help out. This is something I’m sharing with everyone and every conservation-concerned family I can– Check out the “Back to Eden” documentary, if you haven’t seen it… (if you love conservation and farming, you will love it). It’s about amazing low-stress, low fertilizer, low pest, even low water farming in Washington state… (he could NOT get enough water at first, believe it or not, up there in his location, to run a farm as a living) that can be done anywhere, and it’s like permaculture farming in that it “draws inspiration from nature… (to make) synergetic farming systems… (meaning farms concerned with) …crop diversity, resilience, natural… (much enhanced) productivity, and (real) sustainability.” The creator of the doc looked at the forest floor and began hauling in a lot of locally sourced (mostly free) mulch, mulched leaves and wood chips and the rest is history~ he is teaching this to all who will put in the initial effort to become…effortless. Well, almost. : )

That’s amazing to hear about the possibilities with the help of hemp. Is it the same as a regular marijuana plant? I have a lot of hemp in my diet –trying to heal autoimmune, gut issues, etc. Hey, about farming… something I’m sharing with everyone I can–Check out the “Back to Eden” documentary, if you haven’t seen it… ! (if you love conservation and farming, you will love it). It’s about amazing low-stress, low fertilizer, low pest farming in Washington state… that can be done anywhere, and it’s like permaculture farming in that it “draws inspiration from nature to develop synergetic farming systems based on crop diversity, resilience, natural productivity, and sustainability.” The creator of the doc looked at the forest floor and began hauling in a lot of locally sourced (mostly free) mulch, mulched leaves and wood chips and the rest is history!

That is awesome to hear… its only this kind of concern, I think, and action, that will bring the beautiful pollinating monarchs back to healthy levels. They have numerous obstacles stacked against them.. poor beauties. Thanks for the encouragement springing up from your dedication. Check out this info source–the “Back to Eden” documentary, if you haven’t seen it… (if you love farming, you will love it) about amazing low-stress, low fertilization, low pest farming in Washington state… it’s like permaculture farming in that it “draws inspiration from nature to develop synergetic farming systems based on crop diversity, resilience, natural productivity, and sustainability.” The creator of the doc looked at the forest floor and began hauling in a lot of locally sourced (mostly free) mulch and wood chips and the rest is history!

Marilyn, I also live in New Jersey, Burlington County. I have been growing milkweed for years, last we had Many more than the couple of years before.
I hope you have good success this year, check for the eggs under the leaves.

Hi David, Yes,monarchs have 450,+ predators and kill and eat 98% of monarchs before they reach in flight stage of their development. Protecting eggs and releasing monarchs adds to the population. You’re welcome to join the Facebook group I founded with almost 10,000 members and visit my website. http://www.HowtoRaiseMonarchButterflies.com

I sell mature milkweed seeds.