Title: How to Attract More Hummingbirds to Your Kentucky Garden

In episode 31 of the Sunshine Gardening Podcast, host Kristin Hildabrand is joined by guest Annette Heisdorffer, the Daviess County Horticulture Extension Agent. The episode focuses on strategies for attracting hummingbirds to gardens in Kentucky.

Kristin opens the podcast by introducing the topic and highlights the joy of observing hummingbirds. Annette then dives into the specifics of hummingbird characteristics, emphasizing their preference for tubular-shaped, brightly colored (red, orange, or yellow) flowers and placing feeders and flower clusters in separate territories to minimize conflicts between the territorial birds.

Annette also discusses the hummingbirds' need for secluded nesting areas and nearby water sources, adding that urban dwellers without access to such natural elements might face challenges in attracting these birds. She shares tips on selecting plants and flowers that attract hummingbirds, including cardinal flowers and various native plants like bee balms and trumpet honeysuckles.

Following plant suggestions, the conversation shifts to homemade hummingbird nectar. Annette recommends a 1:4 sugar-to-water ratio, advising against adding red dye as it could harm the birds. She explains the importance of boiling the mixture to prevent fermentation and stresses using feeders with some red parts to attract hummingbirds while avoiding yellow parts that might attract bees.

The discussion also covers maintenance tips for hummingbird feeders. Annette advises cleaning the feeders weekly with hot, soapy water, possibly using a bleach solution, and thoroughly rinsing them. She mentions using glass feeders, as they are easier to clean and disinfect.

Lastly, Kristin and Annette tackle common questions and challenges that listeners might face, such as the appropriate duration to keep feeders up during the year and avoiding common gardening mistakes that could deter hummingbirds. Annette recommends resources like Dr. Thomas Barnes's publication for more detailed information on creating hummingbird-friendly gardens.

The podcast concludes with Kristin thanking Annette for her insights and reminding listeners to keep their hummingbird feeders well-maintained and stocked to help these fascinating birds thrive in their Kentucky gardens.

• **Title:** How to Attract More Hummingbirds to Your Kentucky Garden
• **Podcast:** Sunshine Gardening Podcast, Episode 31
• **Host:** Kristin Hildabrand
• **Guest:** Annette Heisdorffer, Daviess County Horticulture Extension Agent **Key Points Discussed:**
• **Hummingbird Attractions:** Emphasis on tubular-shaped, brightly colored flowers (red, orange, yellow) and separate feeders and flower areas to reduce conflicts.
• **Environment Needs:** Importance of secluded nesting spots and nearby water sources; challenges for urban dwellers noted.
• **Plant Choices:** Recommendations include cardinal flower, bee balms, and trumpet honeysuckles.
• **Homemade Nectar:** Recommended ratio of 1:4 sugar-to-water, boiling required, avoid red dye, and use feeders with red parts (not yellow).
• **Feeder Maintenance:** Clean weekly with hot soapy water or bleach, prefer glass feeders for easier cleaning.
• **Seasonal Care:** Guidance on the duration feeders should be up and common gardening mistakes to avoid.
• **Additional Resources:** Reference to Dr. Thomas Barnes’ publication on hummingbird-friendly gardens. **Conclusion:** Importance of maintaining and stocking feeders to support hummingbird populations in Kentucky.