How to Plant a Hummingbird Flower Bed

Hummingbirds are intriguing and shy birds. These small birds are common, but not seen often unless you can catch them feeding. Planting a garden just for hummingbirds can be satisfying and simple. Once the soil work is done and the seeds are sown, little more is required. Plants that hummingbirds favor are usually bright and vibrant. They look great by themselves, and the hummingbirds that feed there are a bonus. Watching hummingbirds will provide hours of enjoyment. Follow the steps below, spend a few hours working and reap the benefits of beautiful flowers and birds for the rest of the year.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Commercial hummingbird seed mix
• Assorted varieties of seeds
• Gardening tools

1. 
   Hummingbird Mix

   Decide on a location for the hummingbird garden. Good locations will include next to a window so that the garden can be viewed from inside the house, or by a bench or chairs outside. Whatever location is chosen, the area should get good sunlight and be well drained. The prospective area should receive six to eight hours of sunlight a day.

2. Decide on the size and shape of the garden. Remember not to get too ambitious; start small and then enlarge the next year if desired. The garden does not have to be large to attract hummingbirds. Pick a shape that fits with the present landscaping.

3. Remove all grass or other vegetation from the spot. Use a good herbicide like Roundup to kill all the grass. Rototill or use a shovel and hoe to breakup the soil and get rid of the dead grass. Now is a good time to add some potting soil or manure to enrich the soil. When finished, the bed should be loose and aerated. Seeds have a hard time germinating in compacted soil. Time spent during this phase of the garden pays big dividends later. Loose, rich soil is the key for all plants.

4. Broadcast the seed mix over entire garden spot. Most seed mixes will recommend a square footage that the packet will cover. When seeds have been broadcasted, lightly rake in or walk on the area to set the seeds into the earth. The seeds should not be buried deeply. Some of the seeds will not be covered by soil, this is normal.

5. Water the seeds regularly so they can germinate and sprout into healthy plants. Regularly pull weeds as the plants grow. Enjoy the hummingbirds and butterflies when the garden flowers.

Tips & Warnings

• Refer to seed packet for the best times to sow seeds.
• Have patience and allow ample time for seeds to germinate and sprout.
• Many of the plants will reseed themselves for the next year.