February is National Bird Feeding Month, the perfect time to care for our feathered friends as they face the scarcity of winter. At Bob’s Garden Center, we’re here to help you attract and nurture local birds with high-quality food, feeders, birdhouses, and accessories. Here’s your guide to creating a winter haven for birds, helping them stay warm, well-fed, and thriving through the colder months.

1. Choose the Right Winter Foods: High-Fat, High-Energy

In winter, birds need extra energy to keep warm, so providing nutrient-dense food is essential. Here’s what to stock up on:

• Suet: Suet cakes are packed with fat, making them an excellent energy source for birds in cold weather. Our suet comes in various flavors with added seeds, nuts, or berries to appeal to different bird species.
• Peanuts: Whole or shelled peanuts are a favorite for birds like woodpeckers, jays, and chickadees. Rich in protein and fat, peanuts provide long-lasting energy.
• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds: These seeds are popular among a wide variety of birds and have a high fat content, perfect for keeping birds warm in winter. They’re also easy to eat, even for smaller birds.
• Nyjer Seed: Nyjer seeds are tiny but high in calories, making them a great choice for finches and other small birds. A Nyjer feeder with small holes can help ensure that these lightweight seeds don’t spill out too quickly.
• Winter Seed Mixes: Bob’s Garden Center offers custom winter bird seed blends with the perfect mix of high-energy foods to attract a variety of birds to your yard.

2. Keep Feeders Full and Accessible

With food supplies limited in winter, your feeders will quickly become a hotspot for hungry birds. Consistent feeding can help them survive harsh weather conditions:

• Fill Regularly: Keep feeders stocked and monitor them daily, especially after snowstorms or heavy winds that may make food scarce or cover natural food sources.
• Place Feeders Strategically: Place feeders in locations sheltered from wind and out of reach of predators. Situating feeders near shrubs or trees gives birds a safe place to perch between feeding sessions.
• Multiple Feeders for Different Birds: Different birds prefer different types of feeders. Hopper feeders are ideal for larger birds, tube feeders attract smaller songbirds, and suet feeders are perfect for woodpeckers and nuthatches.

3. Provide a Fresh Source of Water

In winter, natural water sources may freeze, making it challenging for birds to stay hydrated. A water source in your yard can be a lifesaver:

• Use a Birdbath Heater: A heated birdbath or birdbath heater keeps water from freezing, providing birds with essential hydration. Bob’s Garden Center has birdbath heaters that are safe and effective for winter use.
• Keep Water Clean: Clean the birdbath regularly to prevent algae and bacteria growth, which can harm birds. Be sure to change the water frequently to keep it fresh.
• Provide Shallow Water: Ensure the water depth is no more than an inch or two so that smaller birds can safely drink and bathe without the risk of drowning.

4. Offer Shelter with Birdhouses and Nesting Boxes

Providing shelter not only gives birds a place to roost overnight, but also protects them from cold winds and predators:

• Birdhouses and Roosting Boxes: Set up birdhouses or roosting boxes to provide a safe, warm place for birds to rest. In winter, roosting boxes with multiple perches allow several birds to shelter together and conserve heat.
• Choose Insulated Options: Some birdhouses are specially designed for winter use, with thicker walls to offer more insulation.
• Place Near Food Sources: Place houses near feeders to minimize birds’ travel distance in cold weather, helping them conserve energy.

5. Keep the Area Clean

Regular cleaning of your bird feeding area helps maintain a healthy environment, keeping birds safe from disease:

• Clean Feeders and Birdbaths: Every two weeks, clean feeders and birdbaths with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill any bacteria. Rinse thoroughly before refilling with food or water.
• Clear Ground Debris: Old seed hulls and droppings beneath feeders can harbor mold or attract pests. Rake the area regularly to keep it clean and discourage unwanted visitors.

Visit Bob’s Garden Center for All Your Birding Essentials

Whether you’re a longtime birder or new to the hobby, Bob’s Garden Center in Egg Harbor Township has everything you need to get started with winter bird feeding. Our staff can help you choose the right food, feeders, birdbaths, and houses to attract a variety of local birds and keep them healthy all season. Visit us in South Jersey to find everything you need to make this February a successful Bird Feeding Month! Supporting birds in winter is a wonderful way to help your local ecosystem while bringing life and color to your garden. So, let’s prepare together, and give our feathered friends a warm and welcoming space this season. Happy birding!

As winter settles in, your houseplants may need a little extra TLC to stay healthy and vibrant. The changing light levels, temperature fluctuations from heating, and reduced humidity can affect your plants in different ways. At Bob’s Garden Center, we’re here to help you understand and adapt to these seasonal changes so your indoor plants can thrive all winter long. From lighting and watering to repotting and general care, here’s what you need to know to keep your houseplants happy this winter.

1. Adjust Lighting for Shorter Days

As daylight hours shorten, your plants receive less natural light, which can impact their growth and overall health. Here’s how to make the most of the light available:

• Find the Bright Spots: Move your plants closer to windows where they can receive more natural light. South- or west-facing windows usually provide the most sunlight during the winter.
• Rotate Your Plants: Turning your plants every few days helps them receive light evenly, preventing them from leaning or growing unevenly toward the light source.
• Supplement with Grow Lights: If you have low-light plants or windows that don’t receive much natural light, consider using grow lights to provide the extra light your plants need. Bob’s Garden Center carries a variety of grow lights perfect for winter plant care.

2. Adjust Watering to Prevent Overwatering

During winter, most plants slow down their growth, so they require less water than they would in the spring and summer. Overwatering is a common issue this time of year, and it can lead to root rot. Here are some tips to avoid it:

• Check the Soil Before Watering: Always check the soil moisture before watering. Most plants prefer their soil to dry out partially between waterings in the winter. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water Less Frequently: Reduce your watering schedule by about half compared to your summer routine, and make sure to empty any excess water from saucers or trays to prevent water from accumulating around the roots.
• Use Room-Temperature Water: Cold water can shock plant roots, especially in the winter. Let water sit out for a bit before using it, so it reaches room temperature.

3. Keep an Eye on Humidity Levels

Indoor heating tends to dry out the air, which can be stressful for many houseplants, especially tropical varieties that thrive in higher humidity. Here are a few simple ways to boost humidity:

• Group Your Plants Together: Placing plants together can create a small, humid microenvironment. As they transpire, they naturally increase humidity around each other.
• Use a Humidifier: A small room humidifier can be a great investment, especially if you have several humidity-loving plants. Place it nearby to keep the air comfortably moist.
• Mist Sparingly: Some plants benefit from occasional misting, but avoid misting directly on fuzzy-leafed plants, as this can lead to mold or mildew.

4. Be Cautious with Temperature and Placement

Winter heating can lead to warm, dry conditions in some areas of the home, while cold drafts can affect others. Here’s how to ensure your plants stay comfortable:

• Avoid Drafts and Heat Sources: Keep your plants away from cold drafts near doors or windows, as well as from direct heat sources like radiators and heating vents.
• Maintain a Steady Temperature: Most houseplants do well in temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and slightly cooler at night. Avoid sudden temperature changes, as they can stress plants.

5. Repot Only If Necessary

Winter isn’t typically the best time for repotting, as most houseplants go into a period of dormancy or slow growth. However, there are a few cases where repotting may be necessary:

• Check for Root-Bound Plants: If you notice roots growing out of the drainage holes or circling the pot’s interior, it may be time to repot.
• Use a High-Quality Potting Mix: If you do need to repot, use a fresh, well-draining potting mix suitable for the type of plant you’re working with. This will provide your plant with a healthy start as it enters the slower growth season.

6. Observe and Adjust as Needed

Winter is a good time to pay close attention to your plants’ needs. Observe any changes in their leaves, growth, or color. Yellowing leaves, for example, can be a sign of overwatering or lack of light, while crispy edges may indicate low humidity. By staying in tune with their needs, you can adjust their care to ensure they stay healthy.

Visit Bob’s Garden Center for Winter Plant Care Essentials

At Bob’s Garden Center in Egg Harbor Township, we offer a range of winter essentials, from grow lights and humidifiers to the best potting mixes and accessories to keep your plants thriving. Our team is always here to answer your questions and offer advice on keeping your houseplants healthy through the winter. Stop by our South Jersey location to find everything you need to give your plants a little extra winter care. With the right adjustments, your plants will continue to brighten your home and provide enjoyment all season long.