How to Make Hummingbird Nectar

Make hummingbird nectar at home – (with ingredients you probably already have!)

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Hummingbirds are beautiful, fascinating creatures that lend a little helping hand in the garden.

They are excellent pollinators and provide pest control by eating tiny, bothersome insects.

Help attract hummingbirds to your garden by providing them with a hummingbird feeder filled with some homemade nectar.

This homemade nectar recipe is super easy to follow and can be made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hummingbird feeder (a simple one like this works just fine)
• Sugar
• Water

Here’s what you do:

1. Heat 1 cup of water on the stove until it comes to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of sugar, stirring until it is fully dissolved.
3. Once cooled, pour into the hummingbird feeder.

Extra nectar will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

When making hummingbird nectar please:

• Do not add any red dye to the nectar. It is unnecessary and can be harmful to hummingbirds.

• Do not substitute white sugar with any other sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or confectioners sugar). These sweeteners are harmful and can promote dangerous fungal growth in the feeder.

• Frequently clean the hummingbird feeder and replace the nectar every other day. Skipping out on frequent cleanings can result in mold build up that causes the hummingbirds tongue to swell.

Did you make this recipe? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below or share it with me on Instagram.

Tag @thehomesteadmother or hashtag it #onceuponahomestead

Until next time