Hummingbirds might be tiny, but they sure are most people’s favorite friend in the garden. They are fun to watch, pollinate flowers and vegetables, and are said to be a good luck charm. Hummingbirds need certain features in a garden to survive and thrive. Here are tips on how to create a hummingbird garden this year.
Flowers
Hummingbirds need to drink nectar everyday as it is very high in sugar. They flap their wings so fast that they burn through a ton of calories quickly. Hummingbirds prefer tubular flowers that they can stick their long nose into for the coveted nectar. Their faves include Foxgloves, Delphiniums, Trumpet Vine, Honeysuckle, Butterfly Bush, Lupine, Lantana, Hollyhocks, and Penstemons. In a vegetable garden, don’t be surprised to see them around your Cucumbers or Squash flowers. Heirloom Digitalis Foxglove $4.95
Water Source
Having a water feature or fountain in your yard gives hummingbirds a place to rest for a minute and drink some much needed water. After a day of eating sticky nectar, don’t be surprised to see hummingbirds taking a bath. They like water fountains that have shallow, moving water. If the water is deep or stagnant, like what is found in a bucket, they tend to stay away. Garden Red Glazed Pot Fountain $91
A Place to Rest
Once they have taken in all the nectar their tummies can hold, have had their bath, they are ready for a bit of rest. They need a place in your garden that is safe for them to take a nap during the day and sleep at night. They will make nests in both large shrubs or trees. They need a place to hide from predators, including other birds.
Hummingbirds create brooking nests and return to them throughout the year. They brood for 5-7 weeks and look for nesting materials in your garden to build their home. Don’t buy a birdhouse thinking they will like living their rent free, as they are not cavity nesters. They prefer to nestle under soft materials in a tree nest.
sherry blamer says
Thank for telling me what flowers they like. I love humming birds and would love to have some flying around.
Tara says
You’re welcome, Sherry! We love sitting and watching the hummingbirds in our yard 🙂
Donella Crigger says
This is neat! Growing up, we always had hummingbirds in our yard. My dad is a green thumb, so we always had lots of flowering trees that attracted them. They’re gorgeous little birds… I may have to start a hummingbird garden to get them here. Let’s hope the hawks don’t scare them away!
Tara says
We love watching them! They are so pretty and neat to watch!
Adoring Family says
Interesting fact about hummingbirds nesting. We have flowers and feeders but we need to get a shallow birdbath for them now!
Jodi @ A Mom Having Fun says
I love Hummingbirds! I just got a Hummingbird feed last summer and I actually got to see a hummingbird feeding from it! Supposedly they remember places from year to year! Hopefully we will get that one back and then some. 🙂
Tara says
I know, they are so beautiful & fun to watch! And I have read that too, that they remember places (I was told that about bees too)
Sharlee @mynewlines says
I’m stopping by from the Pretty Pintastic link up and I’m thrilled with this post. I’ve been wanting a hummingbird garden for a while. This is perfect! Pinned! !!
Tara says
Thanks so much, Sharlee!