Looking to add a touch of charm to your garden this spring wihtout spending any money? One easy addition is an affordable and creative way to bring nature right to your doorstep. Adding a bird feeder to your garden will not only attract beautiful birds, it’s a cheap and easy way to upgrade any of your outdoor spaces.
If you can’t wait to get out into the garden, this is an easy task that you can do today. In fact, March is a fantastic time to introduce a bird feeder to help our feathered friends when they emerge from winter looking for a reliable food source.
As budget-friendly way to start to transform your garden, a new bird feeder can cost next to nothing.
With this in mind, the gardening experts at YouGarden are urging people to “think outside the box and see what you can reuse and recycle from around your home.”
For example, an old tea cup and saucer can be transformed into a unique bird feeder. The experts added: “We love making wacky and wonderful planters from all manner of items we find sitting around the house, from old buckets to shoes – just get creative and you’ll be astounded by the results.”
You can also make a homemade bird feeder using a variety of materials, including pinecones, logs, empty plastic bottles and re-cycled containers.
To ensure that the birds come to visit, fill your feeder with a mix of nutritious treats. Sunflower seeds and mixed birdseed blends are always popular, while unsalted peanuts and crushed nuts provide extra energy.
Fat balls or suet are also great high-calorie options, especially in colder months and chopped fruits like apples, pears, and berries will entice species like blackbirds and robins.
Mealworms are a protein-rich treat for insect-loving birds, and even plain, unsalted cooked rice or pasta can give them an easy energy boost.
Avoid giving birds salty, sugary, or mouldy food, as these can be harmful. Fresh, high-quality food will keep your feathered visitors happy and coming back for more.