[EinNYC]

I find myself yearning for spring, too. Haven't been out looking at peoples' yards. I am told that crocus is coming up. I know I won't see my hostas on my balcony until very late April or early May. Have to think about what I want in my window boxes this year. The lantana dried out too easily, so maybe ice flowers or flowering succulents. And, I just found a company which sells mini crape myrtle trees so small you can put them in a hanging basket. They also have some 2', 3', and 4' ones. I'm thinking about getting one of those little guys and putting it into a 10 gallon fabric Grow Bag on my balcony instead of getting geraniums this year. I love crape myrtles and, until I find my little house, would love being able to have one on my balcony.

I also bought a hummingbird feeder last year post season. When should I start putting it out with sugar water? Do I need flowers around it to attract hummers?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

May is the earliest I ever get Hummingbirds up here in SW Wisconsin, so since you’re warmer than me, probably late April, early May.

If the feeder itself has a lot of red on it, they’ll find it! If the container is clear, make sure you at least start out with the red-colored liquid food for them, then you can switch to the homemade stuff once they know where your feeder is. (Homemade: Four cups water, 1 cup sugar. Heat through until all of the sugar is dissolved. Cool. Keep any extra in the fridge.)

Always keep the feeder filled and scrupulously clean. :)

Good information here on their migration and habits:

https://www.hummingbirdcentral.com/hummingbird-migration.htm