Attracting hummingbirds to your garden takes a bit of strategy and effort. Flowers and feeders should be spaced out, as hummingbirds are territorial and need to all stay apart to feed. It's been a slow spring for hummingbirds this year. They slowly returned in May and have since begun nesting.
Female hummingbirds build nests that are usually 10 to 90 feet tall in trees or shrubs. They build a compact, velvety cup with a spongy bottom and elastic sides that expand as the young grow. They weave together bits of twigs, plant fibers, and leaves, and use spider silk as threads to tie the nest together and secure it to the foundation. Female hummingbirds spend up to seven days building their nest. Nest building takes several hours each day.
Hummingbird eggs are about the size of a kidney bean. Most females lay two eggs and incubate them for 15-18 days. The young hummingbirds fledge (leave the nest) 18-28 days after hatching. Now that nesting is over, you should see more activity around your hummingbird feeder.
Sugar water feeders are a fun way to attract birds closer to your home, but they don't solve the long-term problem hummingbirds have of where to find native food resources.
Hummingbirds consume up to half their body weight in nectar per day, and feed about every 10 to 15 minutes (they also eat small insects, especially during nesting season). Drinking large amounts of nectar means they need access to many flowers each day, and hummingbirds can be very territorial about their favorite food sources.
Native plants that can be grown in our area and are most frequently visited by hummingbirds include beardtongue, bee balm, butterfly weed, cardinal flower, columbine, goldenrod, phlox, and salvia.
Gardening tips for watering on hot days
Concentrate watering in the morning or midday, when the leaves dry quickly, and avoid overhead irrigation if possible, to reduce the chance of disease infection. Watering in the morning also reduces water loss through evaporation.
No fun in the sun
As gardeners, we are regularly exposed to the sun as we pursue our passion. Group gardening activities often see people with exposed skin and bare heads. This is where a high SPF product can come in handy. Experts agree that SPF 15 or higher is the best choice. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer or are sensitive to light, choose SPF 30 or 50. Regardless of SPF, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours to be fully effective.
The best products for gardeners are water-resistant or sports sunscreens, which adhere well to the skin while working outdoors. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to your entire body in one application, about the amount in a shot glass.
Use sunscreen even if you garden on a cloudy day. About 40 percent of the sun's UV rays get through the clouds. Covering exposed skin with lightweight, breathable fabrics will provide extra protection.
Another step is to wear clothes that have UV protection. Look for fabrics with a UPF rating. The higher the number, the more effective the material is at blocking the sun's UV rays. The highest rating is 50+, which means it blocks up to 98 percent of UV rays.
By comparison, the average light-colored cotton T-shirt has a UPF rating of about 5, which lets in 20 percent of UV rays. Darker colors tend to offer more protection than lighter colors, and the thickness of the fabric also plays a role. After two years of wear and washing, your garment should be replaced.
A hat with a wide enough brim to protect your face is also important. Baseball caps are good, but they leave your ears and neck exposed. Even with hair, your scalp is vulnerable and tricky to treat. And don't forget your eyes. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases your risk of developing cataracts and other eye diseases.
There are many companies offering these products; do your research to find the right one for you. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and Australian companies have built an excellent reputation in protective clothing and sunscreens. (Source: Barbara Kochik, Fairfield County Master Gardener)
Upcoming events
Fairfield County Local Food Tour – Grill Smart. Thursday, June 27, 10:30am-2:30pm. Where: Fairfield County Agricultural Center, 831 College Ave. Few things can satisfy and impress family and friends more than the aroma, tenderness, juiciness and deep rich flavor of a perfectly grilled steak or chop. But nothing strikes anxiety and fear into the heart of a dinner host more than failing to properly select, prepare and grill the perfect steak. If you've ever struggled with anxiety about whether you'll be able to deliver the perfect meal and dinner experience on the grill, the Grill Smart class is for you. Cost is $30 per person and includes grilling the meat.
Local Food Tour of Fairfield County. Tuesday, July 9, 6-7 p.m. Location: Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard. Join OSU Extension in Fairfield County to learn more about Mirabelle Farm and Vineyard. Participants will learn more about the vineyard and get a tour. There is no charge to attend, but let us know if you plan on attending so we can make plans. Register at https://go.osu.edu/fclocal.
Let's Preserve Series. Dates and times are as follows: Location: Keller Market House, 134 S. Columbus St., Lancaster. Planning on preserving summer produce? Learn more with Shannon Carter, family and consumer science educator, and Sandy Ball, instructor, from Ohio State University Extension Fairfield County. To register, call 740-653-5419.
Freezing: Tuesday, July 9th, 6-7pm Drying: Tuesday, August 6th, 6-7pm Canning Basics: Tuesday, August 20th, 6-7:30pm
