Hummingbird Lovers, This Easy DIY Nectar Recipe Will Bring All the Hummers to Your Yard

When Belinda Carlisle belted out that heaven is a place on earth, it's not hard to imagine that she was singing about a garden filled with hummingbirds. And, if you’ve ever wanted to get a closer look at these tiny, jewel-toned acrobats, whipping up an easy DIY nectar recipe is one of the best ways to do it.

That's right; while there's no denying that it's important to create a hummingbird hangout full of all those native plants beloved by hummingbirds, setting up a feeder for your favorite feathered friends is also a brilliant way to get them flocking to your yard.

Better still, you don't need any complicated recipes or fancy gadgets. In fact, experts advise using just two ingredients to keep your local hummingbirds happy.

An Easy DIY Nectar Recipe

There are so many reasons to work on attracting hummingbirds to your garden, because these charming winged wonders are so much more than a pretty (beaky) face.; they’re also vital pollinators and insect predators, helping maintain balance in your backyard ecosystem.

By providing food, water, and native flowering plants, you’re giving these feathered friends a safe space to thrive. And seeing them up close? It’s the kind of magic that turns a backyard into a living, moving nature show. So, what's the best DIY nectar recipe to use?

'The best DIY hummingbird feeder solution is also the simplest,' says Denys Hemen, Operations and Facility Manager at the Audubon Center at Debs Park. 'Just mix 1 part white granulated sugar to 4 parts water (think ¼ cup sugar to 1 cup water).'

Denys adds that you should heat your mixture just enough to dissolve the sugar completely, then let it cool to room temperature before filling your feeder.

'Skip the red dyes,' he says firmly. 'Feeders are already bright, and hummingbirds naturally sip clear nectar in the wild.'

Hummingbird Feeding Essentials:

Once your mixture is ready, Denys advises you hang your feeder out of direct sunlight to slow spoilage.

'Feeding birds does come with some responsibility,' he adds, noting that you should check and clean it every three days, replacing the solution each time.

'It would be wise to invest in some tiny brushes to clean the ports well. Use hot water to scrub the feeder; for tougher cleaning, a 50/50 water-vinegar solution works perfectly. And steer clear of soap or harsh chemicals, as these birds are sensitive. Remember, feeding birds does come with some responsibility!'

Again, it's important to note that there is an even easier solution to attracting hummingbirds than this DIY nectar recipe: planting wisely.

'Planting native plants in your outdoor space is very beneficial for hummingbirds because of the flowers they produce and also the pollinators they attract,' promises Denys. 'A big part of a hummingbird's diet consists of soft bodied insects and even spiders!'

Cardinal flowers are one of the best hummingbird magnets around, if you decide to try this for yourself (we rate the the Great Blue Lobelia from Nature Hills).

With clean, well-stocked feeders and thoughtful plantings, you can easily create a backyard sanctuary that brings these spectacular birds closer than ever... and give yourself plenty of chances to admire them as they zip and hover, wings a blur, around your yard.

Have fun!