The Garden Club of Marlton - Conservation Pledge

Those vibrant caterpillars you sometimes spot on your parsley? They're swallowtail caterpillars, also known as parsleyworms, and while they might seem like they're devouring your herbs, they're actually transforming into beautiful swallowtail butterflies!

Don't Fear the Feast!

Instead of seeing them as pests, consider them welcome guests. Their voracious appetite is a natural part of their lifecycle. If you find one munching on your prized parsley, gently relocate it to a Queen Anne's lace plant (a wild relative of carrots) nearby. Or, even better, create a dedicated space for them!

Create a Swallowtail Haven:

Building a caterpillar garden is a rewarding way to support these stunning butterflies. Here's how to make your garden a swallowtail paradise:

• Sun's Out, Caterpillars Out: Choose a location that receives full sun (ideal) or partial shade.
• Prepare the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. A raised bed offers excellent drainage and makes tending easier.
• Declare Your Space: Create a fun sign that announces "Caterpillar Garden" or "Swallowtail Sanctuary" to let everyone know these creatures are welcome.

Plant These Swallowtail Favorites:

• Carrots (Daucus carota): 
  • Direct sow seeds 2-3 weeks before your last spring frost.
  • Space seeds ½ inch apart in rows.
  • Cover with ½ inch of loose soil and water gently.
  • Keep soil consistently moist until seedlings establish.
  • Learn More: [Link to "How to Grow Carrots" article]
• Dill (Anethum graveolens): 
  • Direct sow seeds around your last spring frost date.
  • Space seeds 1-2 inches apart in rows 6 inches apart.
  • Cover with ¼ inch of loose soil and water gently.
  • Water regularly to prevent soil from drying out.
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum): 
  • Parsley can be slow to start, so start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost.
  • Use peat, coir, or newspaper pots to minimize root disturbance.
  • Alternatively, purchase transplants.
  • Or: Direct sow, but be patient, germination can take up to three weeks.
• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): 
  • Enjoy its feathery foliage and anise scent.
  • Plant like carrots, following the instructions above.

Black swallowtails are a delight to see fluttering through the garden. To entice them, plant flowers that offer easy access to nectar. These butterflies, like many others, prefer:

• Flat-topped flowers: These provide a convenient landing platform.
• Plants with clusters of small flowers: These offer multiple nectar sources in one place.

 Choose  Favorites:

• Phlox
• Gaillardia
• Zinnias
• Butterflyweed
• Milkweed

Fun Facts About Black Swallowtails:

• Mimicry for Survival: The black swallowtail's resemblance to the poisonous pipevine swallowtail helps protect it from predators. This is a clever example of mimicry!
• Camouflage Masters: Newly hatched black swallowtail caterpillars are masters of disguise, resembling bird droppings for effective camouflage. This helps them avoid being eaten.
• The Osmeterium Defense: When threatened, a full-grown black swallowtail caterpillar reveals its secret weapon: an orange, forked gland called the osmeterium. This "horn" releases a foul-smelling odor, deterring potential predators.

By planting their favorite flowers, you'll not only enjoy the beauty of black swallowtails but also create a welcoming habitat for these fascinating creatures.