Size: The size of a hummingbird garden is variable.
Light: Full sun should be available for six or more hours each day during the growing season.
Water: Once established, native plants require no additional watering.
Elevation/Topography: The ground should be flat or slightly sloped. Protection from the wind should be provided, although hummingbirds are strong fliers capable of moving forward, backward, up, down and hovering.
Soil: Loose, well drained loam soil is preferred, although native plants can be selected for most soils and moisture levels.
Plant Materials: Native plants are recommended. Hummingbirds are especially attracted to tubular shaped flowers in red and orange hues. Plan for continuous blooming throughout the summer to keep the birds coming to your garden. They are fearless and will happily feed close to the school, so you may want to locate your garden so it can be easily seen from your classroom. Hummingbirds also need insects in their diet, so providing plants that attract insects is also a thoughtful addition to the hummingbird garden. See plant list. Also check the butterfly plant list, as hummingbirds often will visit the same plants that are grown in a butterfly garden.
Planting and Maintenance: Follow the guidelines given on the Web page,
"How to Plant and Maintain Native Plants." Nectar plants should be planted in masses (clumps) as opposed to rows or randomly, as hummingbirds are attracted by color.
