How To Attract Hummingbirds To Your Edible Garden

Choosing the Right Plants for Hummingbirds

Are you a fan of hummingbirds and want to attract them to your edible garden? If yes, then you might be wondering where to start. Well, the first step is to choose the right types of plants that will tempt hummingbirds to come and visit your garden. But with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which ones to plant. Don't worry, in this article, we will guide you in choosing the right plants for hummingbirds, so you can create a garden that they will love.

What kind of plants do hummingbirds like?

Hummingbirds are attracted to bright, vivid colors such as red, pink, purple, and orange. They also love tubular-shaped flowers because they can fit their beaks in them, making it easier to extract the nectar. Some of the plants that hummingbirds find irresistible include:

1. Fuschia: With its tubular flowers, Fuschia is a favorite plant for hummingbirds.
2. Bee Balm: Bee Balm, also known as Monarda, is a bee and hummingbird magnet.
3. Salvia: Salvia is a low maintenance plant that provides an excellent source of nectar for hummingbirds.
4. Honeysuckle: The sweet fragrance and vibrant color of honeysuckle are sure to attract hummingbirds.
5. Columbine: With its unique shape and bright colors, columbine is a great addition to any hummingbird garden.

Planting a mix of these plants in your garden will provide hummingbirds with a variety of nectar sources, which will keep them coming back year after year.

Providing Water Sources for Hummingbirds

While hummingbirds primarily get their water from the nectar they drink, they still need a source of clean water for bathing and grooming. Providing a water source for them is a great way to attract hummingbirds to your garden and help them thrive. Here are some tips for providing water sources for hummingbirds:

1. Install a birdbath:

   Bird baths are an easy way to provide fresh water for hummingbirds. Ensure the birdbath is shallow and has a rough surface to prevent the birds from slipping. Clean the birdbath regularly to prevent the growth of algae or bacteria that can harm the birds. You can also add a mister or fountain to the birdbath for additional attraction.

2. Use misters:

   Hummingbirds love to fly through mist and water droplets, so using misters is an excellent way to attract them. You can install misters on the foliage or above the birdbath to create a fine mist the birds can fly through. Ensure that the misters are easily adjustable, as hummingbirds prefer a gentle and fine mist.

3. Provide a drip system:

   Hummingbirds are attracted to the sound of dripping water, so installing a drip system is a great way to get their attention. You can attach a small drip system to a branch of a tree or plant and adjust the flow of water to create a gentle drip sound. The dripping sound will attract hummingbirds to the source of the sound, allowing them to find the water source easily.

4. Place shallow bowls:

   You can place shallow bowls in different locations in your garden to provide water for the hummingbirds. You can fill the bowls with a shallow layer of water and place them on tree branches or hang them on hooks. Ensure that the bowls are clean, shallow, and not too large to prevent the birds from drowning.

Regardless of the water source you use, it is essential to ensure that the water is fresh and clean. Regular cleaning and refreshing of water will help attract more hummingbirds to your garden and ensure their continued survival and health.

Creating a Safe Habitat for Hummingbirds

Attracting hummingbirds to your edible garden is just part of the game. Your next step is to create a safe and suitable habitat for them. Here are some important tips:

1. Provide fresh water: Just like any other living creature, hummingbirds need fresh water. They use it to drink, bathe, and cool themselves. Place a shallow water bowl or birdbath near your garden, but make sure it is not too deep, or the hummingbirds may drown. Change the water daily to prevent mosquito breeding.

2. Stay chemical-free: Pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals can be harmful to hummingbirds. Instead of using toxic chemicals, try natural and organic pest control methods, such as handpicking pests, companion planting, or using natural repellents like neem oil or garlic spray.

3. Offer shelter and perches: Hummingbirds need a place to rest and shelter from the weather or predators. Planting dense shrubs or vines near your garden or putting up a hummingbird house can provide them with a safe haven. Also, consider adding some perches like thin branches or wires for the hummingbirds to rest and survey their territory.

4. Provide hummingbird food: While hummingbirds feed on nectar from flowers, they also need protein from insects and spiders to thrive and build their strength. You can provide them with additional food sources by hanging a hummingbird feeder filled with sugar water or by planting some insect-friendly flowers like coneflowers, salvia, or bee balm.

5. Maintain cleanliness: Keeping your garden clean and tidy is also critical for the hummingbirds' health. Remove dead leaves or branches that can harbor pests or diseases. Prune your plants regularly to promote new growth and flowering. And if you notice any sick or injured hummingbirds or nests, contact a local wildlife rescue or rehabilitation center for assistance.

By following these simple but effective tips, you can create a safe and inviting habitat for hummingbirds in your edible garden. Not only will they provide you with joy and entertainment, but they will also help pollinate your plants and control pests naturally.

Using Feeders to Attract Hummingbirds

If planting hummingbird-friendly plants is not enough to attract them to your garden, using feeders is another great way to invite them in. Hummingbird feeders are simple devices that allow you to offer a sweet nectar solution to hummingbirds.

When choosing a feeder, make sure it is easy to fill, clean, and hang. You can choose from various types of feeders, such as glass, plastic, or ceramic varieties. Also, select those with bright colors and attractive designs because hummingbirds are drawn to them.

Here's how to use feeders to attract hummingbirds:

1. Make your own nectar solution by mixing 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water and dissolve the sugar in it. Let it cool down, and you're ready to fill the feeder.
2. Hang the feeder in a shady, cool, and quiet area. Hummingbirds need a comfortable and safe environment to feel relaxed while feeding.
3. Keep the feeder clean by washing it every few days. Hummingbirds are sensitive to mold and bacteria, and a dirty feeder can make them sick. Rinse it with hot water and a few drops of vinegar or dish soap.
4. Refill the feeder with fresh nectar every 4-5 days, especially in hot weather. The solution can spoil quickly, and hummingbirds will avoid it if it's not fresh.

Feeders are a great way to supplement the natural nectar sources in your garden. Just make sure you don't use any red dye or honey in the nectar solution. Honey can ferment and harm hummingbirds, while dyes can be toxic to them.

Also, be patient and persistent. It may take time for hummingbirds to discover your feeder, but once they do, they will keep coming back for more. Happy birding!

Planting in Layers to Attract Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds love flowers, and they love to hover to feed on nectar-rich blossoms. Planting different layers of flowering plants in your garden, which bloom at different times of the year, can attract these beautiful birds. By following these guidelines, you can create a hummingbird-friendly garden that will benefit both you and the birds.

1. Choose the right plants

Hummingbirds are attracted to flowers with vivid colors like red, pink, orange, and purple. Some of their favorite plants include salvia, bee balm, fuchsia, penstemon, and columbine. Be sure to select a variety of plants that will bloom at different times throughout the growing season.

2. Create vertical layers

Planting in layers creates different levels for hummingbirds to feed and rest. For the upper layer, choose vining plants such as trumpet vine, honeysuckle, or clematis. These plants will provide shade and support for the middle layer, which consists of shrubs. Choose shrubs like weigela, spirea, or butterfly bushes. Finally, for the lower layer, plant ground covers like creeping phlox, sedum, or violets. This will provide a lush backdrop for the other layers.

3. Add some water

Hummingbirds need water to drink and bathe. Consider adding a bird bath or fountain to your garden. Make sure the water is shallow and clean, and add some rocks for perching. Hummingbirds also love misters and drippers that simulate rain.

4. Avoid pesticides

Pesticides not only harm hummingbirds but can eliminate the insects they feed on. Instead, use natural pest control methods such as companion planting, sticky traps, or handpicking. You can also attract beneficial insects to your garden by planting herbs like dill, parsley, or fennel.

5. Provide nesting areas

Hummingbirds build small nests made from spider webs, moss, and lichens. Providing small trees or shrubs with dense foliage will give them a place to nest. Additionally, offering materials like cotton or string can help in nest-building.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and hummingbird-friendly garden. These tiny birds will reward you with their stunning beauty and lively antics, making your garden a peaceful and joyful sanctuary.

Maintaining Your Garden to Attract Hummingbirds

Maintaining your garden is just as important as planting it. Hummingbirds are attracted to gardens that are well-maintained and have a good source of nectar and insects. Here are some tips on how to maintain your garden to attract hummingbirds:

1. Watering: Hummingbirds need clean water to drink and bathe in. Install a bird bath or small fountain to provide a source of fresh water for them. Change the water frequently to prevent the growth of bacteria or algae.
2. Weeding: Weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients and water. Keep your garden weed-free to ensure that your plants have enough resources to produce nectar for the hummingbirds.
3. Pruning: Prune your plants regularly to keep them healthy and to encourage growth. Pruning also helps to remove any dead or diseased parts of the plant, which can attract pests and diseases.
4. Fertilizing: Hummingbirds are attracted to plants that are healthy and produce lots of nectar. Use a high-quality fertilizer to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive.
5. Pest control: Pests such as aphids and mites can damage your plants and reduce the amount of nectar they produce. Use natural pest control methods, such as ladybugs or neem oil, to keep pests under control.
6. Cleaning: Keep your garden clean and free of debris. Dead leaves, twigs, and other debris can attract pests and diseases.
7. Planting: Plant a variety of plants that produce nectar throughout the year. This will ensure that your garden is a consistent source of food for the hummingbirds.
8. Mulching: Mulch your garden to help retain moisture and to suppress weed growth. Use a natural mulch, such as wood chips or compost, to provide nutrients to your plants.

By maintaining your garden properly, you can attract hummingbirds and provide them with a consistent source of food and water. Remember to be patient, as it may take some time for the hummingbirds to find and visit your garden. With a little effort and patience, you can create a beautiful garden that is a haven for hummingbirds.