What to Plant Under Bird Feeders for a Beautiful Backyard (With Pictures!)

What to Plant Under Bird Feeders

Bird feeders are a great way to attract feathered friends to your yard, but did you know that what you plant under your feeders can also make a big difference? The plants you choose can help to attract more birds, provide them with food and shelter, and even deter pests.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to grow under bird feeders, as well as some tips on how to create a bird-friendly yard. We’ll also cover some of the benefits of gardening with birds in mind, such as reducing your carbon footprint and creating a more beautiful and sustainable landscape.

Plant	Benefits	Notes
Sunflowers	Attract birds, provide seeds	Tall plants, may need staking
Black-eyed Susans	Attract birds, provide nectar	Short plants, easy to grow
Marigolds	Attract birds, repel pests	Easy to grow, many varieties
Nasturtiums	Attract birds, provide nectar	Trellised plants, easy to grow
Coneflowers	Attract birds, provide nectar	Tall plants, may need staking

Benefits of Planting Under Bird Feeders

There are many benefits to planting under bird feeders. Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Attracting more birds. Birds are attracted to areas with food and shelter, so planting under a bird feeder can help to attract more birds to your yard. This can be a great way to enjoy the beauty and song of birds, and it can also help to control pests.
• Providing shelter and food. The plants that you choose to plant under your bird feeder can provide shelter and food for birds. This can be a great way to help birds survive the winter months, and it can also provide them with a place to rest and raise their young.
• Improving the appearance of your yard. Planting under a bird feeder can help to improve the appearance of your yard. The flowers and greenery will add color and interest to your yard, and the birds will provide a source of entertainment.
• Helping to control pests. Some plants that are good for planting under bird feeders can also help to control pests. For example, plants that attract beneficial insects can help to keep harmful insects away from your yard.

Types of Plants to Plant Under Bird Feeders

When choosing plants to plant under a bird feeder, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you want to choose plants that will attract the types of birds that you want to attract. For example, if you want to attract songbirds, you will want to choose plants that produce berries or seeds. If you want to attract hummingbirds, you will want to choose plants that produce nectar.

Second, you want to choose plants that are tolerant of the conditions under your bird feeder. This means that they should be able to tolerate the shade, the competition for water and nutrients, and the potential for being damaged by birds.

Finally, you want to choose plants that you will enjoy looking at. The plants that you choose should add color and interest to your yard, and they should make you happy to see them every day.

Some of the best plants to plant under bird feeders include:

• Perennials
• Butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)
• Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
• Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
• Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
• Salvia (Salvia spp.)
• Sedum (Sedum spp.)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

• Annuals
• Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
• Cosmos (Cosmos spp.)
• Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)

• Vegetables
• Cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
• Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
• Peas (Pisum sativum)
• Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa)

• Herbs
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
• Dill (Anethum graveolens)
• Mint (Mentha spp.)
• Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Planting under bird feeders can be a great way to attract more birds to your yard, provide them with shelter and food, improve the appearance of your yard, and help to control pests. By choosing the right plants, you can create a beautiful and inviting space for birds to enjoy.

What To Plant Under Bird Feeders?

Bird feeders are a great way to attract birds to your yard and provide them with a source of food. However, if you don’t plant the right plants under your bird feeders, you could end up with a mess of bird droppings and uneaten seed.

When choosing plants to put under your bird feeders, you need to consider the following factors:

• The type of birds you want to attract
• The climate in your area
• The amount of sunlight your yard gets

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start choosing plants that will thrive under your bird feeders. Here are a few ideas:

• Perennials: Perennials are plants that come back year after year, so they’re a great option for long-term bird feeding. Some good choices for perennials under bird feeders include:
• Bee balm
• Butterfly weed
• Coneflower
• Daylily
• Echinacea
• Lavender
• Milkweed
• Penstemon
• Purple coneflower
• Salvia
• Shasta daisy
• Yarrow
• Annuals: Annuals are plants that only live for one year, but they’re a great option for adding color and variety to your bird feeding area. Some good choices for annuals under bird feeders include:
• Alyssum
• Cosmos
• Marigold
• Nasturtium
• Petunia
• Portulaca
• Sunflower
• Zinnia
• Shrubs: Shrubs can provide a lot of cover for birds, and they’re also a great option for adding structure to your bird feeding area. Some good choices for shrubs under bird feeders include:
• Abelia
• Butterfly bush
• Chokecherry
• Dogwood
• Elderberry
• Forsythia
• Honeysuckle
• Lilac
• Mountain laurel
• Rhododendron
• Viburnum

Tips for Planting Under Bird Feeders

When planting under your bird feeders, keep the following tips in mind:

• Choose plants that are the right size for your bird feeders. You don’t want the plants to block the feeders, but you also don’t want them to be too small to provide cover for the birds.
• Plant the plants at the right depth and spacing. The plants should be deep enough to support their roots, but not so deep that they’ll be drowned by water. The plants should also be spaced far enough apart so that they have room to grow.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Birds will be more likely to use your feeders if the plants are healthy and green.
• Fertilize the plants as needed. Fertilizing the plants will help them to grow and produce more flowers, which will attract more birds.

Maintenance of Plants Under Bird Feeders

In addition to planting the right plants, it’s also important to maintain them properly. Here are a few tips for maintaining plants under bird feeders:

• Weed the plants regularly. Weeds can compete with the plants for water and nutrients, and they can also provide a hiding place for pests.
• Prune the plants as needed. Pruning the plants will help them to stay healthy and productive.
• Protect the plants from pests and diseases. Pests and diseases can damage the plants and make them less attractive to birds.

By following these tips, you can create a beautiful and inviting bird feeding area that will attract a variety of birds to your yard.

Planting the right plants under your bird feeders can help to attract more birds, provide them with a source of food, and keep your yard looking its best. By following the tips in this article, you can create a beautiful and inviting bird feeding area that will be enjoyed by both you and the birds.

What should I plant under my bird feeder?

There are a few things to consider when choosing plants for under your bird feeder. First, you want to make sure that the plants are safe for birds to eat. Second, you want to choose plants that will attract the types of birds you want to see. Third, you want to make sure that the plants are able to tolerate the amount of sunlight and water that they will receive in your yard.

Here are some specific plants that you may want to consider:

• Native plants: Native plants are a great option for under bird feeders because they are adapted to the local climate and conditions. This means that they are more likely to thrive and produce flowers that will attract birds. Some good native plants for under bird feeders include:
• New England aster
• Black-eyed Susan
• Purple coneflower
• Wild geranium
• Goldenrod
• Perennials: Perennials are plants that come back year after year, so they are a great option for under bird feeders if you want to enjoy a constant supply of flowers. Some good perennials for under bird feeders include:
• Daylilies
• Hostas
• Shasta daisies
• Bee balm
• Salvia
• Annuals: Annuals are plants that only live for one year, but they produce a lot of flowers in a short period of time. This makes them a great option for under bird feeders if you want to attract a lot of birds in a hurry. Some good annuals for under bird feeders include:
• Marigolds
• Zinnias
• Cosmos
• Petunias
• Nasturtiums

How far should I plant my bird feeder from my plants?

You should plant your bird feeder at least 3 feet away from your plants. This will help to protect the plants from being damaged by the birds. It will also help to keep the bird droppings from getting on the plants, which can spread disease.

What if I don’t have any plants under my bird feeder?

If you don’t have any plants under your bird feeder, you can still attract birds by providing them with a variety of other food sources, such as suet, seeds, and nuts. You can also put out a water source for the birds to drink from.

What are some other ways to attract birds to my yard?

In addition to planting plants under your bird feeder, there are a few other things you can do to attract birds to your yard. These include:

• Providing a variety of food sources, such as suet, seeds, and nuts.
• Putting out a water source for the birds to drink from.
• Creating a brush pile or other type of natural shelter for the birds to hide in.
• Hanging nest boxes for the birds to use.
• Keeping your yard free of predators, such as cats and dogs.

By following these tips, you can create a backyard oasis that will attract a variety of beautiful birds.

there are many different plants that you can grow under your bird feeder. The best plants for your particular situation will depend on your climate, the amount of sunlight your area receives, and the size of your bird feeder. By considering these factors, you can choose plants that will attract a variety of birds to your yard and provide them with a safe and comfortable place to eat.

In addition to providing food and shelter for birds, planting flowers and shrubs under your bird feeder can also help to beautify your yard and create a welcoming space for you to enjoy watching the birds. So next time you’re planning your garden, be sure to include some plants that will benefit your feathered friends.

Here are some key takeaways to remember when choosing plants for your bird feeder:

• Choose plants that are native to your area.
• Plant in a location that receives plenty of sunlight.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells.
• Prune the plants as needed to keep them healthy and attractive.

By following these tips, you can help to create a beautiful and inviting bird-friendly oasis in your own backyard.