Not what you think though. Earlier this week I harvested two seed pods from my Swamp Milkweed. I read up on it.. squished them and they popped. I am dryed them for two days in a child's beach sand sifter over a pot. I followed the instructions here from Wild One's :
http://www.wildones.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Milkweed-Basics.pdf
I was especially interested in the method shown in the 1st Youtube video. Last year, I harvested post-Sandy and the fluff was just everywhere. It is an interesting by-product, that could be harvested for many uses I suppose. I think it is best if small eager children are involved. ;0 But since I have no volunteers, I will try to follow these directions: ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFXWitrxOmQ. Update ! It worked and I now have seeds drying in a paperbag
waiting to be mailed. I am not sure if having just watered nearby made it easier for me to harvest just the seed, but that method did work.
Next ? Label and send to Monarch Watch. All the information you need is in Milkweed Basics.
They recommend only harvesting 33% of pods you have growing, and I do have more pods, so if you are interested in starting your own seeds, or participating,
leave a comment here.
Also, I want to thank Conrad Decker of Conrad Decker Nursery for pointing out the obvious. We are in a Drought. Don't believe me ? Check this link out:
http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/NortheastDroughtMonitor.aspx
I am not sure how far below average our water level is, but I do hand water all of my plants daily. I even got one of those magic hoses. Shame it is only 25 feet though. But it is nice and light.
I pay special attention to any plants that were added this year. They need a lot more water than Mother Nature has provided. As do anything in pots. Especially clay ones. So water away !
Happy Harvesting and Water, Water, Water !
