Humor

Growing Hummingbirds From Seed

Although sometimes difficult, the results are worth the effort

Here in New England, the weather is slowly beginning to warm up. My thoughts are turning to our garden and the delicious fruit it will give us. We grow squash and tomatoes always, but every now and then we like to add some excitement and experiment with something different.

Although I have certainly read reports of the difficulties people have when attempting to grow hummingbirds from seed, I decided to try my hand last year and I think the results were excellent.

It may be hard to believe, but the little fellow in this photo is a hummingbird from our garden. You may not be able to make it out, but his little feet are perfect. I’m quite proud of that: avoiding snipping off the toes is said to be the hardest part of growing hummingbirds.

Because of difficulties like that, most people today turn to commercial growers. We had done so ourselves in the past. It was only when a friend generously offered a hummingbird that he had grown in his own garden that we realized what a difference in quality there is. We looked at each other and we both knew that from then on, we would be growing our own.