When creating a butterfly garden, the first and most important step is to plant flowers that attract them to your yard. Maybe even include some host plants for the caterpillars to feed on to keep them around in all stages. But that won’t be enough to bring them back time and time again. To have a really successful butterfly garden, you will also want to provide them with butterfly nectar and fresh water in a butterfly puddler. Butterflies drink by “puddling”. They sip at shallow puddles of water in mud or sand instead of landing in large open water areas. To make them feel welcome in your garden, you should include various features to supply all their needs. How wonderful to sit on your porch and watch dozens of butterflies not only glide by, but also linger in the haven you created for them. This project is thrifty and quick to put together, my favorite kind.
How to Make a Butterfly Puddler
To get started, you will need a large, shallow dish or container (use a container at least 18″ wide). I used an extra bird bath I had laying around and set it right in the middle of my garden in the shade.
Place sand to cover at least 3/4 of your container.
Add water until soil is just moistened, with shallow pockets of water. You could also use butterfly nectar or stale beer – butterflies are quite the beer drinkers.
Add several stones or sticks throughout the sand for butterflies to rest on.
Overripe fruit can also be placed in the puddler to offer another source of nectar.
Keep your sand just slightly moist and do not overfill, butterflies cannot land in open water.
More Tips for Attracting Butterflies
6 Frugal Ways to Attract Butterflies to Your Yard
Attracting Butterflies with Butterfly Bushes
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Joan Wascha says
What kind of sand does not have toxic fillers? I brought beach sand from a Lake Huron beach in East Tawas MI and wonder if that is good to use
Thank you!
Joan
Toni says
What kind of sand should be used?
Julia Wilison says
I found a Monarch butterfly I brought him into my house put him in a box with grass and a slice of orange I have ordered a butterfly house for it because it will not never be able to fly I would like to know how to make a paddling to put in the butterfly house for the butterfly. Julia Wilison
Debbie says
Can you use beach sand?
Dale says
Yes, they like the salt in the sand.
MaryEllen says
I just happened upon this article and your site, glad I did.
Shirley Peterson says
This behavior called puddling, and is mostly seen in male butterflies. That’s because males incorporate those extra salts and minerals into their sperm. When butterflies mate, the nutrients are transferred to the female through the spermatophore.
Susan Segur says
Must remember that you cannot use just any sand. It needs to be free of certain toxic fillers.
Gina says
“I used an extra bird bath I had laying around and set it right in the middle of my garden in the shade”.
Considering butterflies like to sun their wings on rocks, wouldn’t it make more sense for the puddle to be in the full sun? Of course it would dry out a lot faster too…
Gwyn says
Full sun heats the water too much. I burned myself on my birdbath and moved it into the midday shade.
Bess falls says
I tried the butterfly nectar. Got a few moths & lots of wasps & ants. Will try puddler with sand & salt instead.
AJ says
Just curious… What do you do when it rains? Doesn’t it fill up and wash away the sand?
Barb says
This sounds like a great idea and I would like to try it. My only concern is if I used beer would it attract wasps? Wouldn’t mind attracting bees unless they discourage the butterflies but don’t want to support wasp colonies!
JoAnn Thompson says
Thanks! I love the butterfly puddler. I have large butterflies in my backyard and I can’t wait to make this to attract more.
Penny says
Especially important that the water is not too deep!! At a “butterfly” exhibit at the conservatory, butterflies were drowning in the exhibit pond!! Thanks for your article.
Cher says
I think I read somewhere a long time ago that butterflies like the minerals they can consume by including mushroom compost in the puddler?
LESLIE says
Everything I’ve tried to attract butterflies only gets me bees. Bees, l might add, that are almost impossible to “unattract”. Where am I going wrong?
michelle says
Thanks, I bought a bird bath and was worried it was too deep. But by adding sand and rocks I think it will be perfect.
Re the butterfly house. I wanted to get one and thought by planting lavender around it and even putting some dried lavender inside the house it might deter spiders. I have read that lavender is a repellant to spiders. Has anyone else tried this?
sally r says
QHow do you you recommend keeping the sand clean, especially if you put fruit in the same puddler.
patty says
Put your fresh fruit in a lid, or foil. 1C sand to 1Tbls. compost & manure, 1 teas. salt. Mix dry, add enough to moisten, and never let get dry. To clean Let dry out, brush out, and add more salt. email, I’m researching myself.
Have fun
Maria says
Can you you sea sand?
Jenn Dee says
love the puddler. Do you have ideas for an easy butterfly house? Thanks for your ideas!
LaMoyne Hardenburger says
I, too, was interested in making a butterfly house until I read an article which stated that butterfly houses are not a good idea. The reason being that spiders get into them, making them unsafe for butterflies. We have various trees which might provide shelter, but I’m also hoping to plant some tall, ornamental grasses which I understand will provide a place that butterflies like.
I hope that you are as excited about enjoying and preserving our lovely butterflies as I am.
patty says
When including a butterfly house in with my insect motels, I include some moss, bark, and a familiar branch from a glycerin Buddelia branch. It’s a VIAGRA bar! (the mud puddle)
Don’t forget the seasonal blooming plants for the pollen.
patty says
I forgot to mention the butterfly house included in your insect motel is merely a pit-stop after stopping at the “VIAGRA-BAR”, to rest up to inseminate 2-3 more times that day!
deb stokes says
Love your newsletter. I will try the butterfly puddler for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Robert pope says
Thanks so much for the information. Love it.
Nancy says
Thanks for sharing the idea of the puddler..This is very easy. I cant wait to tey one.
Jan says
Thank you so much for this article! I have been butterfly gardening for years, My cousin gave me a milkweed for Christmas one year, I placed it outside my door and the next morning when I opened the door, a Monarch was there, I was hooked! One thing I didn’t know that Butterflies like stale beer!, I guess I’ll be purchasing beer now! LOL
BRENDA J MANUWAL says
I WILL DO THIS NEXT SPRING I HAD A FEW THIS YEAR BUT WITH 5 BUTTERFLY BUSHES I SHOULD HAVE A LOT MORE….WE HAD A STRETCH OF VERY HOT WEATHER AND I AM SURE THAT HINDERED THEM….I HAVE 3 BIRD BATHS SO ONE MORE WON’T HURT THANKS BRENDA IN IN.