How to build a bird feeder/plant hanger

Getting the most out of your focal point requires a little imagination and ingenuity. Adding function to an otherwise decorative item makes it even more valuable. Birds will love this beautiful feeding station, and you'll love how lovely this plant hanger is for a focal point in the yard.


Items you'll need:

* 1 rounded shovel
* 1 level
* 1 metal bird feeder, we used a lantern style
* 1 4X4 pressure treated post
* 1 bag of ready mix cement
* Phillips head screw driver
* 4-6 plant hangers with their hardware for attaching to post
* 1 pint of paint (optional and your color choice, stain can also be an option)
* 4-6 hanging flower baskets
* birdseed

Pick a spot in your yard or garden that you want to be a focal point. Make sure you have easy access to it though, because you will need to fill the bird feeder on occasion.

Dig a hole 2 feet deep into the ground. Place two feet of your post or more if you like it lower, into the ground. Pack some dirt around the sides to stabilize and have someone hold it for you. Make sure to use your level on all sides so that it is perfectly straight.

Add one bag of Ready mix cement into the hole.

Fill the hole with water. Let the post set for 5-6 hours. Once cement hardens, cover the hole completely with any remaining dirt.

Now attach your Lantern style bird feeder to the top by drilling holes and securing with the screws that come with your bird feeder.

Paint or stain your post in any color you desire and allow to dry. This time will vary depending on weather conditions/humidity..etc.

Once your post is dry, you are now ready to attach your plant hangers. I put mine at varying levels to showcase the hanging baskets that I wanted.
This is a long term beautiful focal point for any area of your yard that needs a little something extra.

Please note:

* Bird seed will fall into your hanging baskets so keep an eye on the grass that sprouts in your baskets.
* You can also hang wind chimes and birdhouses from this post just primarily for decorative looks.
* Try planting a climbing rose at the base, or a Mandevilla vine to train up the post for an even more dramatic effect.

How to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders

There are many crafty ideas involving keeping squirrels out of the bird feeder. Some work, some don't and other ideas just aren't practical. If you live in South Carolina, pay a visit to Wild BirdsUnlimited in Columbia, and check out their squirrel proof feeders and great selection of bird feed too. There are certain things you can do that will keep the squirrels away from your bird feeders. Try these ideas.

1. Buy weight sensitive bird feeders- Certain bird feeders are built with ports on them that are weight sensitive. Each perch that the bird lands on is calibrated to the weight of a standard songbird. When a larger animal grabs onto the perches, they push downward, seeming to break away from the ports, and bring a metal cover down over the seed openings. A squirrel simply can not gain entry. For a sample of this type of bird feeder see: Perky Pet Breakaway Squirrel Proof Bird Feeder .
2. Feed the squirrels- Make sure to leave feed out specifically for the squirrels. There are a number of wonderful squirrel feeders, and some designs are basic enough that you can make them yourself. Squirrels love bird seed, and dried corn on the cob to feast on.
3. Spice up your seed- Make bird seed less desirable to the squirrels by adding Cayenne pepper to the mix. While completely harmless to birds, squirrels can't tolerate it and will not eat the seed. Also try mixing safflower seed in with the regular seed, squirrels are not a fan of this type of seed. This may wear off in time so try number 4 if this doesn't work long enough.
4. Peppermint- Place peppermint oil or even round/ ground up peppermint candy around and in the bird seed/feeder. Squirrels don't like the smell and will be turned off by it.
5. Grease your pole- If your bird feeder is on a pole, use WD-40 or Vaseline on the pole, the squirrels can't climb up it. For more tips and gardening info, see: Dawn's Secret Garden

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