Birdbaths
If you have a bird feeder in your yard and want to see more birds, install a birdbath. There are many species of birds that do not eat at feeders, but all birds need to drink. Debbi Bruce from Wild Birds Unlimited talks about the different kinds of baths available, how to take care of baths, and some accessories that will pull the birds in.
There are several basic bath options from a saucer of water to a classic pedestal bath to a hanging bath. For all baths, the water should be less than two inches deep. In the hot weather mosquitoes can breed in birdbaths. To prevent this change the water in the bath every three days or install something that will move the water like a dripper or a small pump or fountain which she demonstrates. Moving water will attract the birds too. When you change the bath water, scrub your bath out with a brush. Once a month deep clean your bath with a bleach solution (1-part bleach or vinegar to 9-parts water) to kill the algae. If your bath is too large to dump, you can add a natural enzyme solution to remove the algae without harming the birds. In the winter, birdbaths can freeze. If you put in an electric de-icer it will keep the water liquid, so the birds can still use it. If you have the only liquid water around you will have lots of birds. To attract hummingbirds, you can use a mister which they will fly through. Related Resources: Water for Wildlife: Bird Baths and Backyard Ponds |
Tree Staking Options
This week in the garden UT Extension Horticultural Specialist Carol Reese talks about staking trees. >>Watch
Other things to do
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Spraying Calculations for Tall Plants
Mike Dennison talks about how to figure out how much to spray on tall plants and how to calibrate you sprayer to do it. >>Watch
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Easy Drip Irrigation System
Installing a drip irrigation system makes it so your plants get the water you need without you having to stand in the sweltering heat of summer every day. >>Watch
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Viewer Questions
What are these yellow spots in my lawn?
This is a fungus called red thread. You can tell because of the red tint to the dead grass leaves. >>Watch
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Is it true angel trumpet leaves are poisonous?
Yes, angel trumpets are poisonous. The leaves, seeds and flowers are poisonous... >>Watch
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How do you get rid of purselane?
Purselane is a tough weed. It reproduces by seeds, stems or root fragments... >>Watch
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Should I follow the recommendation of a late soil test now?
Yes, you should start following the recommendations now instead of waiting for a new growing season. >>Watch
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Is there an old pear tree that requires minimum maintenance?
There are some old pear trees around that do not ever seem to get some of the diseases and blights common to pears. >>Watch
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More Questions & Answers |