HOW TO MAKE A SUNFLOWER BIRD FEEDER

David Surrusco
Aug 24, 2022
2 min read

Humans aren’t the only animals that eat sunflower seeds. They’re also the favorite food of birds like finches, cardinals, bluebirds, and other migratory birds passing through your local ecosystem. Turning sunflowers into simple bird feeders helps local bird species store energy for their long journeys ahead.

Read on to learn how to make a DIY bird feeder at home using only sunflower heads, and some household materials!

HOW TO MAKE A SUNFLOWER SEED FEEDER

MATERIALS

Florist wire, twine, or any string thin and sturdy enough to thread through your flower head and hang it outside

EQUIPMENT

Gardening shears, or a strong pair of scissors
A thick needle, small screwdriver, or any tool that can make holes in the flower head small enough to thread wire through

INSTRUCTIONS

When your sunflowers are fully grown, cut off the top ¼ of the stalk.
Place the flower in a cool, well-aerated spot to dry for a few weeks. Do not put the flower in a bag or container, as trapped moisture may cause mildew to grow.
Once dry, cut off the remaining stem from the flower. You will know the flower is dry when the front of the head is brown and crispy, and the back is yellow.
Make a couple of small holes near the top of the head, and thread your wire or twine through them.
Hang the flower on a tree branch, fence post, or wherever is most convenient for you to watch your new friends come to feed on your sunflower seeds!

MORE DIY GARDEN ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS

This is just one of many DIY activities included in our Garden to Table Kit, which includes veggie and flower seed packets and instructions for growing food and blooms at home. Check out our Garden Kit for more activities that kids of all ages can have fun with, including:

Build a snap pea catapult
Make paint out of beets
Cook a delicious green bean recipe
And a whole lot more!