How to Make a Butterfly Puddler

June 26, 2023 by Patti Estep Leave a Comment

This DIY butterfly puddler is easy to create and will make a nice addition to the garden and hopefully bring lots of beautiful butterflies.

Terra cotta saucer with sand and rocks to create a butterfly puddler. — Butterfly Puddling Station

Who doesn't love to see butterflies in the garden? Recently I learned about "butterfly puddlers" and had to make one for myself.

What is a Butterly Puddling?

Butterfly puddling is the act of butterflies gathering in mud puddles to take up water and minerals.

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In fact, the nectar butterflies get from flowers is said to offer enough water but not the salts and minerals that male butterflies specifically need.

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Supplies

A shallow dish - I'm using a clay saucer but a plastic one would be fine.
Sand - I'm using play sand though some use fine gravel.
Manure - I have some mushroom manure but I've read that you can also use an organic fertilizer.
Rocks - The larger rocks are meant as a place for the butterflies to perch. The smaller gems are purely for decoration.
Other - Some people suggest setting out stale beer or overripe fruit such as apples, oranges, and bananas.

Making the Butterfly Puddler

Fill your dish with sand.

Small amount of mushroom manure on top of the play sand on the clay saucer.

2. Mix in a little bit of manure.

Terracotta saucer filled with sand and a few rocks in a spiral nested inside.

3. Add some rocks for perching and some for decoration as desired.

Note: Originally I added a small bottle cap to collect water in the middle of my spiral but in the end decided to scrap it and let the water fill into the indentation.

Completed butterfly puddler made from a saucer, sand, manure and decorative rocks in the garden.

4. Place your butterfly puddler somewhere flat and fill it with water just below the rim.

Clay pot sauce with sand, rocks and water in the garden next to lavender.

Continue to add some water as needed especially in dry weather and keep an eye out for butterfly visits.

Don't be surprised to find bees and other pollinators enjoying your DIY puddle station. A great place for all to enjoy.

More Garden DIYs

Large terracotta saucer filled with sand, water and stones to create a butterfly puddler.

Clay saucer with sand and rocks to create a butterfly puddler.

5 from 1 vote

DIY Butterfly Puddler

Learn how to make a butterfly puddler for the garden as a place butterflies can land and take in nutrients they need.

Active Time30

Total Time30

Yield:

Cost: $15

Materials

Clay planter saucer
Play sand
Mushroom manure
Rocks

Instructions

Spread a layer of sand into your saucer.
Sprinkle on a little bit of manure and mix it in.
Place some rocks around as perches for the butterflies
Fill with water.
Set the puddler somewhere flat and in a spot where you can view the action.

Notes

Keep an eye on the puddler and add some water as needed.

I added extra gemstones purely for decoration.

You can skip the manure and use a bit of organic fertilizer instead.

Some people also use fine gravel instead of sand.

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About Patti Estep

Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.