By SHARON TRENT
Dodge City, Kansas
You may be aware that Monarch butterflies are endangered. This is due to the loss of habitat and the use of pesticides. Gardeners can counteract both of these problems. The orange milkweed is the only host plant for monarch caterpillars in the Plains states.
Seeds can be ordered online and refrigerated for about 30 days on damp paper towels in plastic bags. Then, they can be started in soil, which may take 30 days for sprouting. So, the plant might be ready to set out by the last frost date in spring. You will probably need a dozen plants.
Conservation efforts saved the bluebirds, and the antelope and are helping the lesser prairie chicken. We are all that's available to save the monarchs.
Please help.