I always have to snicker when I’m walking the bird food isle at my local Lowe’s and I see the $8.00 can of “Clear Hummingbird Food”. I understand that our society has become one of “convenience”, but come on people spending money to make sugar water?
I’ve been making my own hummingbird food for a few years now, and my feeders are always busy. Of course I do attract with nice red feeders and, plenty of scrumptious blooms. Hummingbird nectar is simple to make, and you’ll love the way it draws the colorful little “hummers” to your yard.
Hummingbird Nectar Recipe
Proportion your mix as per the following:
1 part regular white sugar to 4 parts water
***For Example: 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water
Mixing Your Nectar:
- Boil your water: Many people choose not to boil the water, but I always do as I feel it gets rid of any impurities in the water
- Add the sugar: Add in your sugar and stir until completely dissolved.
- Cool it: Simply cool your nectar. I usually put mine in the feeder right away, but my feeder is glass so you might want to be careful if yours is plastic. I usually stick mine in my refrigerator for just a little bit, and then I’ll put it out to the garage to make it air temperature just before hanging it.
- Storing the extra: I don’t like to make extra nectar because it’s so easy to make, I just make it fresh each time I need it. If you do make extra you can simply keep it stored in your refrigerator for roughly 2 weeks. If you see the stored mixture turning cloudy it’s time to toss it and make new, same goes for the nectar in the feeder.
So there you have it, you just saved yourself $8 and you should see the hummingbirds shortly after you hang your feeder. Enjoy the hum, and colors of your new backyard friends.
***Follow us on Twitter at @tuffguardhose, and LIKE our Facebook page for regular updates & shares
As always don’t forget to sign up over there to the right for regular TUFF GUARD updates, and all things garden hose related!
Related articles
