sum-up
Providing nutrient food for our feather friends is an number of kindness that can brighten their day and plunk for their well - being . Growing sunflowers specifically for bird food for thought is a rewarding endeavor that coalesce horticulture with a touch ofwildlife preservation . Here ’s a comprehensive guide to assist you cultivate a bountiful helianthus crop for the birds in your backyard .
Choosing the Right Sunflower Varieties
Not all sunflower arecreated equalwhen it comes tobird food . Certain varieties have larger , substantive seed headsthat are more appealing to raspberry . Here are some recommended varieties :
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
sunflower flourish in well - drained , fertile soil thatreceives plentyof sunshine . Choose a fix that gets at least six hours of lineal sunlight per day . Prepare the soil by tilling it to a astuteness of 12 - 18 inch andadding compostor manure to improve its fertility .
Planting and Spacing
industrial plant helianthus seed 1 - 2 inches deep and 6 - 12 inches aside . Space rows 3 - 4 base apart to allow forgood air circulationand prevent disease . It ’s good to embed in the fountain after the last frost date in your area .
Watering and Fertilizing
Water sunflowers regularly , specially during dry spells . debar overwatering , as this can extend to root putrefaction . Fertilize flora lightly with abalanced fertilizeronce or double during the growing season .
Pest Control
Sunflowers are broadly not susceptible to major pests or diseases . However , they can be strike by aphids , spider mites , or birds . Useinsecticidal soapor neem oil colour tocontrol pest , andprotect seedlingsfrom birds by covering them with netting .
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest sunflowers when theseed headsarefully matureand the seeds haveturned brown . Cut the heads off the plants and hang them upside down in a well - give vent region to dry completely . Once dry , hit the seed from the heads and store them in airtight containers in a nerveless , dreary place .
Attracting Birds
To attract birdie to your sunflower craw , position feeders in areas where they caneasily accessthe seeds . Keep the feeder clean and filled on a regular basis . you could also disperse seeds on the ground or make abird gardenwith other hiss - well-disposed plants .
Benefits of Growing Sunflower Bird Food
Wrap-Up: A Bird-Friendly Haven
grow sunflowers forbird foodis a rewarding and fulfilling experience that benefits both shuttle andgardeners alike . By following the steps outline in this guide , you could produce a vibrant and shuttle - friendly haven in your own backyard . permit thecheerful chirpingof fowl make full your garden as they banquet on the fruits of your labor !
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q : Can Igrow sunflowersin containers?A : Yes , you cangrow sunflowersin container , provided they are large enough . Choose a container that is at least 12inches wideand inscrutable . Q : How often should I water sunflowers?A : water system sunflowers on a regular basis , especially during hot , wry weather . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to root rotting . Q : What if mysunflowers don‘t produce seeds?A : Sunflowers may notproduce seedsif they are not pollinated . Ensure there are other pollinators in your garden , such as bees or butterfly . Q : How long dosunflower seedslast?A : Properly store helianthus seedscan last for up to two years . Keep them inairtight containersin a cool , dark place . Q : Can Ifeed sunflower seedsto all type of birds?A : Most birds caneat sunflower seeds , but some species , such as hummingbird , prefer different types of food .
