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The Seed Sitters — Swamp Milkweed Grow-Along Chapter 4

Last time in Chapter 3, we tried Alysha’s hack for germinating Milkweed in less time, and now there’s a video on YouTube explaining the process.

Now that our Milkweed has germinated, let’s look at the next steps. And for the occasion, we have a special announcement to make. Say hello to the Seed Sitters Club!

By Samuel LeGresley

Now that your radicles have come up, it’s time to find growing containers. Look for deep containers if possible, because roots need room to grow.

Keen readers may be wondering: what’s happening with our winter-sown seed-friends? If you’ve started the process in NB to follow along at home, then it’s normal if they’re not coming up yet. For me, only the Canada Wild Rye – a type of native grass – has come up.

It can be discouraging sitting around waiting for plants to grow, especially if you aren’t part of a community of like-minded individuals to collaborate (and commiserate!) with.

Introducing… the Seed Sitters Club!

As a Butterflyway Ranger whose mission is to make pollinator gardens across my community, I have always sourced my plants first, before even thinking about landscaping a garden.

It turns out that I was choosing species based on what I had available to me and not what I really wanted, because I was intimidated by the thought of growing them properly.

In reality, native seeds are a bit harder to grow than garden seeds. For the record, I have tried the Instant Pot technique with other seeds than Milkweed, and have not succeeded yet. They are outside now, waiting to germinate with the rest of my winter-sown seeds.

We are thus using the Seed Sitters term, borne out of a David Suzuki Foundation initiative, and are calling it the Nature NB Seed Sitters Club.

Acting a bit like plant babysitters, we are going to plant a bunch of native plants, together as a community, with the goal of helping pollinators. Basically, anyone (including you!) can participate, with the only requirement being to send the seeds back if they grow out into plants. Nature NB can provide postage to help you send them along.

To make sure you are as prepared as you can be, we are also going to educate all members on the proper techniques for growing these plants and saving their seeds including winter sowing and other means, helped along by the existing work that’s already been done by Butterflyway Rangers and the original Seed Sitters initiative.

All you have to do is sign the form on the page!


4 Levels of Action

We recognize that everyone will be able to commit to different levels of involvement in a project like this, with some people starting out with more knowledge than others when it comes to growing native plants and saving seeds. We’ve mapped out your journey into four levels following the life cycle of the Monarch Butterfly to help you decide how much you are able and willing to contribute to this initiative. While we encourage you to push yourself to become a contributor to The Seed Sitters Club, all contributions are important and we are here to guide you on your journey!

LEVEL 1 – EGG

At this level, you agree to plant native Milkweed, because Monarch Butterflies can only lay eggs on Milkweed species.

LEVEL 2 – CATERPILLAR

At this level, you are ready to record your Monarch and Milkweed observations with community science.

LEVEL 3 – CHRYSALIS

Opt for a pollinator-friendly landscape! It’s not only Monarchs that benefit from a nature-friendly yard; all pollinators do! For example, Reduce pesticide use, add nectar plants, and leave fallen leaves!

(Monarch-Friendly Landscaping page to come)

LEVEL 4 – BUTTERFLY

Grow your own varied selection of native nectar flowers from seed to give Monarchs fuel for the trip to Mexico! Really keen participants at this level can join The Seed Sitters Club! Though it is optional, being part of the network helps all of us by providing us with seeds to distribute year after year.

Sign up to the Seed Sitters Club now using the form at the page below to take action for Monarchs and other pollinators.

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