From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Sage, Arkansas

My kids are wanting to grown some sunflowers for the local and state fair---They want to grow some with big heads. What is the best way to keep birds from eating the seeds? Also....what is the best way to ensure big seed heads? Thanks Brian and 4 kids.

2/17/2005 11:11:39 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We cover the best heads before the Gold Finches return so as to feed them to our own pet birds.

Try searching the name "sunflower" here for a guy that has a Giant Sunflower website. He posted here for a while but stopped. He would probably be a good seed resource if he's still around.

We plant only the basic store bought types here. We look more for variety of color & a varied bloom time. Size & seed output is not a concern for us since we grow them strictly for their ornamental value & to attract the birds out back.

The easiest way to prevent bird theft is to not grow them. LOL

2/18/2005 7:16:13 AM

Indiana

I covered them with old pillow cases it kept the birds out but not the chipmonks they wiped them out. some "mesh" fabric from the fabric store or onion bags will work. but it still doesnt keept the chipmonks or squirrels out.
Steve

2/18/2005 10:45:23 AM

Long Island,New York

I put bird netting around the heads and then I "tar" the stems with that sticky bug-stuff you put around maple trees to keep the gypsymoth caterpillars from climbing up the trucks....you know...that caramel colored sticky stuff with the smell you never forget?.........works great

2/18/2005 4:03:55 PM