The melodic call of birds in the morning is a great way to wake up. These little animals are happy and busy. They whistle all day as they look for food and take care of their young. Many homeowners provide a food source for the birds in their area, attracting more to their yard. Amateur ornithologists, people who study and watch birds, are especially prone to providing seeds for local birds.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to leaving out seeds for the birds. Not only do squirrels always eat the food, but bird seed that falls from the feeder to the ground can take root and start to grow in your grass. Most people don’t want seeds to sprout in their yard. If this sounds like you, read on to learn how to stop birdseed from sprouting in your yard.
Birdseed is designed to attract feathered friends to your yard But it can also attract unwanted weedy growth when seeds fall to the ground and germinate Follow these tips to stop bird food from sprouting and turning into a mess in your garden.
Use Sterilized Bird Seed
Look for birdseed labeled as “No-sprout seed mix” at garden stores. This type of bird food contains seeds like millet sunflower, and safflower that have been heated to very high temperatures before packaging. The roasting process sterilizes the seeds so they cannot sprout or grow. No-sprout mixes are a foolproof way to keep birdseed from germinating in the soil.
Choose Nyjer Seed
Nyjer seed, also called thistle seed, is a favorite of finches and siskins. By law, commercially sold nyjer must be sterilized before entering the United States. Heating the tiny black nyjer seeds destroys their ability to germinate while retaining nutrition and taste for birds. Nyjer seed won’t sprout at all if spilled.
Use Fresh Seed
Fresher birdseed is less likely to sprout than older seed. Seed that sits around too long loses viability and spoils. The older it gets, the more likely it is to germinate if it falls onto garden soil. Buy small quantities of birdseed frequently, and empty feeders to remove old seed often to prevent unwanted sprouting issues.
Choose the Right Feeder
Some feeders are prone to dropping more seeds than others. Tube feeders, for example, allow less spillage than open tray feeders. Select a feeder designed for the type of birdseed you use to minimize waste. And position feeders over mulched beds or gravel rather than directly over planting beds or lawns.
Attach Seed Catchers
Hanging a seed tray under feeders catches dropped seeds before they reach the ground. These trays keep the area tidy and prevent seeds from germinating below the feeders. Look for seed catcher trays that attach easily to pole mounts or tube feeder ports. Empty the catch trays regularly.
Sweep or Rake Under Feeders
Make a habit of cleaning up under bird feeders daily or weekly. Seeds that get raked up or swept away can’t sprout. For grassy areas, use a stiff broom to whisk away debris. In mulched beds, a quick raking clears old hulls and seeds. Staying on top of clean up prevents germination.
Use Concrete or Pavers
An easy solution for areas under feeders is paving them with concrete, bricks, gravel, or pavers. This prevents any dropped seeds or hulls from making contact with soil, eliminating sprouting issues. Just be sure to sweep the paved surfaces regularly to remove debris.
Apply Corn Gluten Meal
This organic herbicide inhibits seed germination and root development. Apply corn gluten meal under feeders to block seeds from sprouting. It breaks down into nitrogen fertilizer over time. Reapply corn gluten meal after rain washes it away and as new seeds drop.
Solarize the Soil
Cover bare soil under feeders with clear plastic sheeting during hot, sunny weather. The heat and light under the plastic kills weed seeds and sterilizes the top few inches of soil to prevent sprouting. Leave sheeting in place for 4-6 weeks for best results.
Change Seed Mixes Seasonally
In winter, switch suet and nuts which won’t sprout. Come spring, transition to sprout-free mixes to avoid germination issues during the growing season. Offer fruit mixes in summer over soil covered by mulch or landscape fabric to block any sprouting. Tailor feed to seasons.
Grow Plant Covers Under Feeders
Use vining crops like squash, cucumbers, or melons under feeders. As vines spread out, they block light which prevents germination and growth of dropped seeds. The broad leaves also catch seeds and hulls on top of foliage rather than reaching the soil.
Accept Some Germination
Even with preventive steps, some sprouting may occur under busy bird feeders. Accept that occasional plucking of birdseed sprouts comes with having active feeders. Just stay vigilant about cleanup and weed control measures to keep birdseed growth in check. A few sprouts here and there are worth the joy of watching colorful birds!
With smart practices like choosing the right seeds, feeders and cleanup habits, you can largely prevent bird food from turning into a weedy mess in your yard. Pay attention to areas under feeders and take action at the first sign of sprouts emerging from dropped seeds or hulls. A little effort goes a long way in deterring germination from birdseed.
Frequency of Entities from Content (for reference only, do not include in article):
bird seed: 15
seeds: 16
sprouting: 10
feeders: 9
germination: 5
soil: 5
nyjer: 2
fresh: 1
tube feeder: 1
seed catcher: 2
concrete: 1
corn gluten: 1
solarize: 1
vines: 1
STOP BIRDSEED FROM SPROUTING IN YOUR YARD: CHOOSING THE RIGHT SEED
Bird feeders are easy to enjoy, attracting a wide variety of birds and providing entertainment for casual watchers and ornithologists alike. But if the birds in your yard aren’t particularly keen on the food you provide, whatever they don’t like can end up in your grass and eventually sprouting. To avoid growing bird seed, you need to observe the birds who frequent your yard and determine their favorite type of seed.
Most birdseed comes in a mixture of seeds. If some of the mix falls to the ground more than the rest, you can be sure that the birds don’t like that seed. Find out what kind of seed it is and look for a bag at the store that doesn’t have that seed in it, preferably one that has a different kind. You might also consider foregoing a mixed bag altogether and trying a single seed. If sunflower seeds are being dropped from the feeder, try replacing them with safflower seeds. This change can also help with a squirrel problem as they are less keen on safflower seeds.
STOP BIRDSEED FROM SPROUTING IN YOUR YARD: STOP SEEDS FROM FALLING
There isn’t much you can do if the birds don’t like the seeds you choose. You can keep the seed you already have, though, and add an attachment to the feeder to keep it from falling to the ground. This will stop the birdseed from sprouting in your yard.
One option is to add a tray under the feeder to catch seeds kicked out by the birds. This trick is great if you don’t have a squirrel problem. If you have squirrels, they might find the tray and eat the seeds, making a mess. Many of the seeds will still fall to the ground. If squirrels are attacking your feeder, put a baffle below a pole feeder or above a hanging feeder to keep them away.
How To Avoid Wasting Bird Seed – Ace Hardware
How to prevent bird seed from sprouting?
To prevent bird seed from sprouting and the growth of stray weeds in your lawn, you can use sterilized seeds, seed catchers, or even tube feeders to solve the problem. These strategies will ensure the birds are fed and your backyard and lawn look beautiful. How to Keep Bird Seed from Sprouting in Your Lawn?
How do you keep birds from sprouting on your lawn?
Lawns require daily cleaning to avoid weeds. To avoid the sprouting of any bird seeds, you can simply, clean up the spillage before they sprout. To do this, you may need an outdoor vacuum cleaner or a blower. This way, the seeds will be off the lawn before they germinate, preventing any wild plantations in your backyard.
How to keep bird seeds from falling to the ground?
A bird feeder ensures that birds will flock to your yard throughout the warm summer months. However, bird seeds can be quite a nuisance. Like all other seeds, they will germinate and grow if they fall to the ground. To easily prevent this, sterilize the seeds. The most efficient way is to bake them at a low temperature.
How do you germinate a bird seed?
Like all other seeds, they will germinate and grow if they fall to the ground. Set the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. A low baking temperature is best as it reduces the chance of burning the seeds. Cover the bottom of a baking sheet with parchment paper. Put the bird seed on the baking sheet in an even layer. Bake the bird seed for 30 minutes.
