2025's Best Hacks To Attract Hummingbirds To The Garden (So Far!)

While the 2025 gardening season is winding down, it's not over yet. Hummingbirds have already begun their southern migration for the season, meaning they've likely left their summer homes in many parts of the United States, but that doesn't mean you can't start thinking ahead about ways to make your garden even more appealing to them for next year. Now is the ideal time for reviewing some of the year's best hacks for attracting hummingbirds and finding ways to implement them in your own garden. After all, who wouldn't want to learn all the best tricks for attracting these beautiful birds to their garden? 

Things as simple as minor changes to your garden design and thoughtful flower selection can easily ensure your yard will be a hub of activity when the little birds return next summer. With some additional work you may even be able to persuade the petite birds to nest in your yard. For more of this year's best hummingbird tips, keep reading.

Use hummingbirds' favorite colors

Hummingbirds use color to help them find their favorite flowers, so filling your yard with blooms in some of their preferred shades is a surefire way to attract the little birds. Bright reds, as well as oranges, pinks, and yellows, are big hits with hummingbirds. In addition to opting for these shades of flowers, you can also tie colorful ribbons to your trees to attract the birds' attention. Don't forget pick feeders in shades of red or orange as well. You can even incorporate these colors into your yard' s color scheme. 

Provide nesting material

As fun as it can be to have hummingbirds swing by for a visit, having them actually build nests in your yard is even more exciting. For that to happen, though, you need to make sure they have access to plenty of nesting materials. Hummingbirds generally build their nests out of yard debris, including spider webs, mosses, and fibers from plants. Instead of disposing of these, leave them for the birds to enjoy and help make your yard even more hummingbird friendly.

Add hiding and nesting places for hummingbirds

Of course, hummingbirds don't just need nesting materials, they also need safe spaces to build their nests. Having trees and large shrubs in your yard that hummingbirds can use to build nests in or hide from predators like cats is a great way to encourage the birds to feel safe and comfortable visiting your garden. Hummingbirds are especially fond of pine trees and trees with rough bark when looking for spots to build a nest. 

Choose tubular-shaped flowers to attract hummingbirds

Flowers with tubular shapes are a favorite of hummingbirds as they're ideal for getting their long bills and tongues into to enjoy the nectar. While a variety of plants are great, prioritizing blooms with this shape is best for attracting hummingbirds. Finding spots in your garden to plant hummingbird-approved flowering perennials like beardtongues (Penstemon spp.) and scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea) is a great strategy for encouraging the birds to visit again and again. Don't forget to include annuals like flowering tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) and jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) too.

Make a simple hummingbird fountain

Hummingbirds don't just need nectar, they also require water for both bathing and drinking. This doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to provide,aws though. You can use fountains designed for pets' watering dishes and watch as hummingbirds come to enjoy their new favorite spot. Just make sure to clean your bird bath regularly so that it doesn't begin to attract mosquitoes or become a vector for bacteria and fungi. You can even set up a simple sprinkler for your hummingbirds to flit through.

Make your own nectar for a fraction of the price

You've likely seen red hummingbird nectar at the store, and while you may have thought it was the best option for hummingbirds thanks to their love of crimson, this isn't actually the case. Artificial coloring could actually hurt the little birds. So stick with buying clear nectar, or opt for making your own for a fraction of the cost. The recipe is as simple as dissolving one part plain white sugar in four parts water. Change the nectar in your feeder a few times a week. 

DIY a hummingbird swing

Hummingbirds love having comfy places to perch. DIYing a charming swing in your garden is a great way to encourage them to stop by for a visit and survey all the beauty your garden has to offer. Set up the swing far enough off the ground that they won't be threatened by predators. And if possible, locate it in dappled sunshine. If you have the space, add some perches in areas with more protection and locate others out in the open. The more perches, the better!

Recommended