How to make a butterfly feeder in just a few simple steps.
This great home-made feeder will bring the butterflies to your garden and is a great way you to see butterflies. You will be able to see these mesmerizing insects, look at their beautiful colours & patterns, and you do not even need to have a big garden or lots of space to create this to attract them. Butterflies are attracted to overripe fruit which both they and caterpillars enjoy eating.
To make a butterfly feeder you will need the following
- a plate
- a key ring
- scissors
- a tape measure
- Wool
- overripe fruit
What you need to do
- Cut six lengths of wool about 2 meters long and then gather them and fold them in half
- Push the folded end through the keyring to create a loop and pull the loose ends through. You then separate them into six strands (two in one)
- Measure 30 centimetres from the ring and tie a knot into each strand
- Separate the string into 12 strands below the knots
- Bring the strands together, which are next to each other, leaving the outside strands until last
- Measure 15 centimetres below these knots and tie a knot in the two pieces of string now paired together. Do this for each paired strand of wool, so you will have six knots in total
- Check the width of the plate at its widest point, measure this length below the second knot and tie all strands together in one big knot
- Place the plate in the wool hanger so that the last big knot is below the middle of the plate and the strands are spaced out around the edge.
- Add your overripe fruit
- Watch, wait and enjoy!
To increase your chances of butterflies landing on your feeder, keep in a shaded place protected from the wind. Butterflies tend not to fly if it is wet or windy.
