Assuming you've decided to attract birds to your edible garden, one of the essential things you should know is choosing the right plants. Which plants will best serve your purpose? With an array of plants available, it can be challenging to decide which plants will work well in your garden. However, fear not, as this article will guide you on how to select the right plants and set up a bird-friendly garden. You will discover several plants that birds love and those that are friendly to their nesting habits. Read on to get started!
Choosing the Right Plants for Your Garden
The first step toward creating a bird-friendly garden is choosing the right plants. Your garden's layout, size, and location is crucial in determining the type of vegetation to cultivate. Before planting any seeds, ask yourself whether you want the birds in your garden for shelter, a nesting place, or food. If you plan on growing fruits and vegetables, you'll need plants that encourage pollination. At the same time, birds can assist in controlling insects and pests that may destroy your crops. Below is a list of plants that birds enjoy:
- Sunflowers
- Blueberries
- Coneflowers
- Serviceberry
- Black-eyed Susans
The sunflower is an attractive plant for birds that relish the seeds. Being tall and broad, this plant provides excellent cover and nesting grounds for different bird species
Blueberries are a favorite fruit not only for birds but also for humans. These shrubs produce round and juicy blueberries that are a delicacy for different bird species
Coneflowers, also known as echinacea, have cone-shaped flowerheads. The flowerheads are easy for birds to perch and feed on. The coneflower is an ideal plant that provides seeds in late summer, a time when many birds need nourishment for their migration journey.
Also known as amelanchier, serviceberry produces white flowers in the spring and small red, purple or black berries in the summer. The berries are a great source of food for birds - and humans! Serviceberry can be grown as a shrubbery in your garden.
Black-eyed Susans are native plants that attract native birds such as finches, swallows, and sparrows. They produce numerous seeds in their flowerheads, making them an excellent plant that provides food for migrants and other birds.
Choosing the right plants for your garden is crucial to creating a perfect bird habitat. The plants you choose will either attract birds to your garden or repel them.
Providing Water Sources for Birds
Water is an essential element for birds, and providing them with water sources will increase the probability of them visiting your garden. Water helps birds in regulating their body temperature, keeps their feathers clean, and they use it for drinking and bathing.
Here are some ways to provide water sources for birds in your garden:
- Bird Baths: Bird baths are a great way to provide water for birds. They come in different sizes, materials, and shapes. Consider purchasing a bird bath that has a shallow slope and a rough surface, birds can easily drink from and perch on. Place it somewhere safe from predators, but near a tree or shrub where birds can hop onto a branch after bathing.
- Misters or Drippers: Misters and drippers can provide birds with a constant supply of fresh water. They simulate rain and create a mist that birds can fly through. Place misters and drippers close to foliage as birds need to preen their feathers after bathing.
- Water in Containers or Pots: Fill a shallow container or pot with a few inches of water and place it in your garden. Make sure the container has a rough surface so birds can easily perch on it. It's essential to clean and refill it frequently to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from breeding.
- Natural Water Sources: If you have a natural water source in your garden, such as a pond or stream, it's likely birds will find it. However, ensure the water is clean and safe for birds to drink.
- Provide Shade: Birds appreciate a shady place to drink and bathe, especially during hot summer days. Consider placing the water source under a tree or near a shrub to provide some shade and shelter for the birds.
By providing water sources for birds in your garden, you will attract a variety of birds, including seed-eaters and insect-eaters, to come and play. Remember to keep the water source clean and filled, so birds will continue visiting your garden.
Creating Shelter and Nesting Opportunities
Providing birds with shelter and nesting opportunities can encourage them to make your garden their home. Here are some ways to create shelter and nesting opportunities for birds:
Plant trees and shrubs: Trees and shrubs can provide natural shelter and nesting sites for birds. Make sure to choose plants that are native to your area and can provide food and nesting materials for birds.
Install nest boxes: Nest boxes provide a safe and secure place for birds to nest. Make sure to research which species of birds you want to attract and provide appropriate nest box sizes and placements. Keep in mind that not all birds use nest boxes and some may prefer natural nesting sites.
Provide nesting materials: Birds use a variety of materials to build their nests, including twigs, grasses, and feathers. You can provide these materials by leaving dead branches and plants in your garden, or by setting out items like nesting balls and suet cages filled with nesting materials.
Create brush piles: Brush piles can provide shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, as well as other wildlife like insects and small mammals. Simply stack dead branches and plant material in a corner of your garden to create a natural shelter for birds.
Include water features: Water features like bird baths and fountains can attract birds to your garden and provide them with a source of water for drinking and bathing. Make sure to keep the water clean and replace it regularly to prevent the spread of disease.
By providing shelter and nesting opportunities for birds, you can create a welcoming habitat that they will want to return to year after year.
Offering Bird Feeders and Birdhouses
Offering bird feeders and birdhouses in your edible garden is a great way to attract birds and provide them with a safe place to feed and nest. Plus, having birds in your garden can also help control insects and pests that might damage your crops.
When choosing a bird feeder, look for one that is designed for the types of birds you want to attract. Different feeders come with different feeding ports and spacing, so it's important to choose the right one. You'll also want to choose a feeder that's easy to clean and refill, so that you can maintain it regularly.
When it comes to birdhouses, make sure you choose one that's the appropriate size for the species of bird you want to attract. The entrance hole should be big enough for the bird to enter, but not so big that predators can get in. For example, a house wren needs a hole that's 1 1/8 inches in diameter, while a bluebird needs a hole that's 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
Place the bird feeder and birdhouse in a location that's easily visible from your garden, but also sheltered from harsh weather conditions and predators. Make sure there's also a clear flight path for the birds to access them.
Lastly, keep in mind that offering bird feeders and birdhouses is not a one-time task. They need to be refilled, cleaned and maintained regularly. By keeping them in good condition, you can attract birds to your garden year after year.
Using Natural Pest Control Methods
After attracting birds to your edible garden, another effective method of pest control is using natural methods. Chemical pesticides can be harmful to not only pests but to beneficial insects and even the soil. Natural methods are safer for you, your plants, and the environment.
- Introduce beneficial insects: Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises can help control pests like aphids and caterpillars. You can attract them by planting flowers that provide nectar and pollen.
- Use companion planting: Planting certain herbs and flowers can help repel pests. For example, marigolds can help repel nematodes while nasturtiums can deter aphids.
- Mulch: Mulching around plants can help prevent pests from laying eggs in the soil and it can also improve the soil's health. Just be sure to use organic mulch like grass clippings, leaves, or straw.
- Hand picking: Sometimes the most effective method of pest control is simply hand-picking the pests off your plants. This is most effective for larger insects like tomato hornworms and squash bugs.
- Homemade sprays: You can create natural sprays using common household ingredients like garlic, onions, and pepper. These can help deter pests like aphids and caterpillars.
- Attract predators: Predatory birds like hawks and owls can help control rodents like mice and voles. You can attract them by providing nesting sites or installing nest boxes.
Using natural pest control methods can take more effort and patience than using chemical pesticides, but the results are worth it. Your edible garden will be healthier and safer for you and the environment.
Maintaining a Healthy and Clean Garden Environment
Attracting birds to your edible garden isn't just about setting up birdbaths and birdhouses. You need to maintain a healthy and clean garden environment to keep them coming back. Here are some tips:
Practice crop rotation: rotating your crops is essential to keeping your soil healthy. This can help prevent plant diseases and pest infestations. It's also a good idea to avoid planting the same crop in the same spot each year
Use organic pest control: avoid using chemicals to get rid of pests in your garden. These chemicals can harm birds and other wildlife. Instead, use organic pest control methods such as companion planting, handpicking pests off plants, and using natural insect repellents like garlic or neem oil
Compost regularly: composting is a great way to add nutrients to your garden soil. It can help improve soil structure, retain moisture, and reduce the need for fertilizers. Just be sure to avoid adding meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost pile, as these can attract pests and scavengers
Keep your garden clean: a messy garden can not only be an eyesore but can also attract pests. Clean up any fallen leaves or debris regularly, and trim any overgrown plants or bushes. This can also help prevent any hiding spots for potential predators
Provide fresh water: birds need a fresh source of water for bathing and drinking. Consider setting up a birdbath or a shallow dish of water, and make sure to change the water regularly (especially during hot weather)
Choose bird-friendly plants: selecting plants that are native to your area can attract specific bird species. Do some research to find out which plants are best suited for your bird visitors
These tips can help maintain a healthy and thriving garden environment for both your plants and your feathered friends. By creating a welcoming space for birds in your garden, you'll not only enjoy their beauty and sounds, but also the benefits they bring such as pest control and pollination. Happy gardening!
