​Milkweed Pod Collection

Preble Soil and Water Conservation District is once again participating in a statewide milkweed pod collection program. Milkweed is the only host plant for Monarch butterfly egg laying and caterpillar rearing. It also serves as a food source for Monarchs, as well as many other pollinator species. Seeds collected through the milkweed pod collection will be used to establish new plantings across the state to help the Monarch and other pollinators, which have suffered drastic decline in recent years. Last year, volunteers from around the state collected 200 pounds of milkweed pods, totaling over 19 million seeds.
 
Milkweed pods will be ready to harvest between now and October. To determine when pods are mature, wait until they are dry and brown or grey. Ideally, they should be collected before splitting open. If they pop open when squeezed gently, they are ready to harvest. Store pods in paper bags and label them with the date of collection and county. Do not use plastic bags because they retain moisture. Store seeds in a cool, dry place.
 
Pods may be dropped off at the SWCD Office, located at 1651 N. Barron St., Eaton, located between TSC and China Wok. A collection bin is available through October 30 in the front lobby which is open 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

Click here for a guide on collecting pods from common milkweed.
In addition, here is a resource video for collection information.

Common Milkweed Harvesting Tips
1) If pods are bright green, they are not ripe or ready to be collected.
2) Ready to pull pods will be gold/yellow or gray to brown in color.
3) Don't collect pods that are already open, as they might be infested with insects.
4) Test the seams of the pod, if they easily "pop" open with gentle pressure they are ready.
5) Freshly collected pods should be dried and kept in paper grocery bags (not plastic!).
6) Deliver to Preble SWCD by October 30!