7 Simple Ways You Can Turn Your Garden Into A Hummingbird Haven

Jun 04, 2018

Although it is widely believed by even the most experienced gardeners and birdwatchers that hummingbirds are difficult to observe and attract, it isn’t always true. There are many ways to make your garden an enticing place this summer and become hummingbird-friendly! 

Although it’s a myth that these types of birds will never eat foods that are solid, their main source of food is nectar, making ordinary feeders useless to hummingbirds. You can purchase one from a store, but building one at home is also easy. The color red will actually help entice hummingbirds, and this color is easily found at the store. 

Although it might seem rational to purchase nectar for your hummingbirds when you create a feeder, it is a waste. The most effective method to create hummingbird nectar is 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. The mixture should be boiled for a minute or two, cooled, and stored in your refrigerator until you use it. Though some people say to use honey, red coloring or honey in the mixture, this will only repel hummingbirds. 

Though you may be used to setting up a bird feeder and leaving it alone, feeders for hummingbirds need to be checked each day. Bees and wasps are easily attracted, meaning that you need to be wiping down this feeder every day. It should be kept clean both inside and out. Your nectar can also spoil, so it should be changed a few times a week. 

Despite their tiny size, hummingbirds have large appetites. They eat up to every 15 minutes and devour nectar from over a hundred flowers each day. To attract more hummingbirds, plant some flowers that are friendly and appetizing to them, such as butterfly bushes, azaleas, hollyhocks, begonias, petunias and even penstemon. 

Dependent on your location, hummingbirds can actually be territorial. East Coast species of hummingbirds, like the ruby-throated variety, are likely to be territorial and have a battle over which feeders and flowers they choose to eat from. To notice additional birds, you might need to have more than one feeder in the same location. 

These birds are known to get into habits, and once you set up your garden to attract them, visiting your yard may become their favorite routine. The timing of when you set up your feeder is crucial, as you want to attract them before they find another feeding location. Plan to have your feeder completed around 5 days prior to the start of the season, usually when the weather begins to warm up. 

You've been told that hummingbirds are more enticed by red colors and flowers, but they also have other preferences that you can be used in your yard. If you have flower beds and other planters for your plants that contain nectar, they’re more likely to approach them if the design has round edges. Because they don’t bathe like other birds, a deep bird bath isn’t necessary, and they would much rather enjoy a mister or light sprinkler. 

Enjoying the company of beautiful hummingbirds isn’t difficult if you know how to design your garden. These 7 tips can make your yard an enticing hummingbird-friendly place all summer!