by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension


​     September is a busy month for gardeners. If you have a vegetable garden, this month is often when you have a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. And by the end of the month, it’s time for the sweet potato harvest. Be sure to cut the green vines off the sweet potatoes 2-3 days before digging them up to help toughen the skins and prevent damage to the sweet potato. The less damage they have to the skin, the longer they will last in storage.
     Have you ever grown garlic? Garlic is used in salad dressings, marinades, sauces and as a flavoring agent for meats, veggies and soups! It also has several health benefits. 
 
     Learn to grow your own garlic! Join the free class online, on September 20, 6-8pm.
 
Topics include:
• when to plant
• nutrient, weed & pest management
• harvesting and storage
 
     This virtual workshop provides research-based information for gardeners about garlic production cultural practices, right planting time in Missouri, and selection of good planting stock. This program also provides information about nutrient, weed and pest management. Participants will learn about harvesting, storage and marketing. 
Cost: Free
Contact: Field Specialist in Horticulture Dhruba Dhakal,  dhakald@missouri.edu , 573-581-3231 to join the class.
 
    Other September gardening tasks include the following:
 
Ornamentals:

• Ornamental plant care- Spring bulbs can be planted as soon as available. Wait until late Oct. to plant tulips.
• Divide peonies now. Replant in a sunny site and avoid planting deeply.

 
 
 
Lawns:

• Cool-season grasses are best fertilized now.
• Begin fall seeding or sodding of cool-season grasses.
• Lawns may be top dressed with compost.

 
 
Veggies:

• Sow seeds of radish, lettuce and other greens now for fall garden.
• Harvest herbs now to freeze or dry for winter use. 

 
Portions of this article were reprinted from the MU Extension Lawn and Garden newsletter.
Please feel free to contact Horticulture Instructor Cathy Bylinowski, bylinowskic@missouri.edu if you have more gardening questions. 
​

     August looks like it will be hot. Even with challenging weather conditions, there are many important gardening activities we can do this month.

Outdoor Flowering Plants and Ornamentals

• Continue to keep newly planted trees and shrubs well-watered.
• Clean up fallen rose and peony leaves. They can harbor disease and insect pests over the winter if allowed to remain on the ground.
• Refresh mulch, check for weeds and water landscape beds.
• Take a break from the heat, sit in the shade, and take time to enjoy your landscape!
• Keep an eye out for spider mites on ornamentals. They love it hot and dry. Frequent, strong jets of water can help reduce mite populations.
• Avoid pruning shrubs and trees now. Pruning now will promote new growth that will not harden by winter which can lead to winter damage.
• Powdery mildew on lilacs, phlox and zinnias is unsightly, but causes no harm and rarely warrants control with fungicides.
• Start ordering spring flowering bulbs, but wait to plant them until fall.

Edible/Vegetable Gardening

• Water garden vegetables thoroughly in times of drought.
• Many herbs self-sow if the flowers are not removed. Dill, lemon balm, oregano, basil and cilantro seeds fall around the parent plant and come up as volunteers the following spring.
• A cover crop adds organic material when it is incorporated into the soil the following spring. Later this month, plant a winter cover crop to enrich your garden soil. Wheat, cereal rye and red clover are good choices. Plant no later than November 1st.
•  Many fall vegetables can be planted until late August or early September depending on the days to maturity for each crop. Vegetables for fall planting include lettuce, radishes, spinach and turnips. For planting dates, see MU Extension Guide G6201 Vegetable Planting Calendar https:// extension2.missouri.edu/g6201
• Compost plant materials from the garden as crops are harvested and prepared for cooking or preservation. For more information on composting, see MU Extension Guide G6956 Making and Using Compost https://extension2.missouri.edu/

Fruits Production

• To reduce the number of pests on your fruit trees for the coming year, pick up and discard spoiled fruit lying on the ground.
• Prop up branches of fruit trees that are threatening to break under the weight of a heavy crop.
• Harvest cantaloupes when the melons pull easily from the stem, watermelons when there is a hollow sound when thumped and the skin loses its shine, and honeydews when the blossom end is slightly soft or springy.
• Harvest early season apples when the under-color turns from green to red.

Turfgrass

• Fall seeding- Make plans for fall lawn renovation if needed.

• Purchase necessary grass seed and fertilizer.
• Have soil tested if you are unsure of basic fertility levels.
• Links for MU Publications on lawn care here- https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6700

(Information adapted from the Garden Spade newsletter- https://mailer.missouri.edu/p/42N5-3DV/garden-spade)

Have an abundance of zucchini this summer? Here’s a tasty way to use extra:

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
INGREDIENTS
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/4 cup oil (canola, olive, or vegetable)
1/4 cup nonfat milk
1 banana, mashed
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 cup zucchini, washed and shredded (about 1/2 large unpeeled zucchini)
1/4 cup chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk together applesauce, oil, milk, banana, and sugar in a separate bowl.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until just moistened.
5. Stir in the zucchini and chocolate chips.
6. Divide the mixture between 12 muffin tins. Bake until a tester (knife or toothpick) comes out clean (about 18 minutes).
   
   
   ​(Recipe from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Spend Smart. Eat Smart Program: https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/chocolate-chip-and-zucchini-muffins/)
   

Contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline for gardening help- 816-833-TREE (8733), mggkc.hotline@gmail.com. (Please include your county, phone number and any pictures that would help us assist you with your email) You can contact Cathy, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, for more gardening information.
 

     Help your plants beat the heat with mulch. Maintain 2-4 inches of an organic mulch to keep the soil cool, University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein advises. This promotes root growth and curbs soil moisture loss. By blocking sunlight, mulch also prevents weeds from germinating. Finally, organic mulches improve soil structure as they decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
     Remember, do not create mulch “volcanoes” especially around trees or shrubs. While mulch “volcano” around the trunk of trees can be seen around town, it is not a recommended practice and can jeopardize the health of your plants. Instead, create a mulch “donut” or “bagel” around the roots of the plant. Expand the mulch bed to the drip line or beyond if possible. Do not place mulch directly on the stem or trunks of trees and shrubs because this can encourage pests such as mice and voles to chew on the stem, cause plant diseases, and create soil health problems.
     Good mulch materials include dried grass clippings, shredded leaves, pine needles and ground softwood tree bark. Bags of cotton burr compost can also be used for mulch in vegetable or flower gardens.
     Gardeners may see problems with nitrogen deficiency when they plant into existing mulched areas. Mulch can fall into the planting holes, where soil microbes will break down organic matter in the mulch, consuming nitrogen in the process. Nitrogen deficiency often results in lighter green leaf color, weak or slow growth, and even yellowing and loss of lower leaves.
     To counter this, spread a fertilizer high in nitrogen in recommended amounts on the soil surface before applying mulch. For established mulch, add more nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season as mulch decomposes.
     For tomatoes, avoid high nitrogen fertilizers since they will encourage foliage at the expense of tomatoes. Tomatoes do benefit from mulching during the heat of summer.
     While sour mulch is not a common problem, hardwood mulches tend to break down more rapidly, which makes them more likely to become sour than softwood mulches. Good mulch should have the aroma of freshly cut wood or good garden soil. Sour mulches smell of ammonia, sulfur, or vinegar.
    “The benefits of mulching greatly outweigh the concern of plant damage from sour mulch,” Trinklein said. “However, be aware of the problem and check mulches before applying.”
      Once mulch is established, it may not be necessary to add new mulch every year. This especially is true in areas where it initially is applied more thickly, such as around trees and shrubs. However, adding a thin layer of new mulch often improves the appearance of the landscape.
     Mulches help to make gardening more sustainable, Trinklein said. “Their ability to conserve water, retard weed growth and eventually add nutrients to the soil make their use a logical way to reduce the inputs needed to grow an attractive garden.”
     For more information, see the MU Extension publication “Mulches” (G6960), available for free download at extension.missouri.edu/p/G6960. This publication has an extensive list of the pros and cons of different types of mulch.
     Missouri Department of Conservation also has a good guide sheet on mulch recommendations for trees-
https://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/mulch.pdf
     Have more gardening questions? Please feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, for more information.
     You may also call or email the Extension Master Gardeners Hotline for assistance with common gardening problems or questions -
816-833-TREE (8733) – 24-hour voicemail
mggkc.hotline@gmail.com
​

     Ever meet someone new and not think much about it? Then, someone tells you how amazing this person is and why? Suddenly, this person becomes interesting and respect is generated! This can be true of many beneficial insects, including pollinators.
     Let me tell you about some beneficial insects that you can invite and get to know right in your own garden, especially if you plant Missouri native flowers.
     The black and yellow, fuzzy bumblebee (Bombus spp.) is really quite docile and getting a close look at it is easy. Missouri has at least 6 species of native bumblebees. They visit an important native plant, the Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), in my garden and when the pink fragrant clusters of flowers burst open in June, the bee has to work hard to obtain the nectar, the sweet energy food, and pollen, a source of protein. The bee has to perform “buzz pollination” by pressing its thorax against the base of the anthers which hold the pollen and vibrating its flight muscles without flapping its wings. This releases the pollen for the bee. You can actually hear this happening; it sounds much like a middle C musical note. The pollen collects on the bee’s upper hind legs in a structure called corbicula or pollen basket. Next time you take a look at a bumblebee, look for this feature.
     These two food sources, pollen and nectar, are what bind the plant world and the insect world in a strong symbiotic relationship which had lasted for thousands of years. The bee receives the food it wants and the plant is aided in pollination, the act of transferring pollen to the flower’s pistil to generate seeds- the ongoing goal of all living things to perpetuate their species.
      Another beneficial insect that we humans normally scorn is the Paper Wasp (Polistes spp.) that usually annoys us by building its compartmental nests under the eaves of our homes. Because this insect feeds on caterpillars and beetle larvae, they are good biological control insects- who needs chemicals with insect control by the wasps?
     Paper Wasps love the Rattlesnake Master plant (Eryngium yuccifolium), native to Missouri. With characteristics like the yucca plant, this flowering plant offers interesting texture to a native plant garden. Each round, white flower head on a long stem has 106 five petaled flowers and blooms from July to September. Besides wasps, this plant attracts butterflies and beetles who value this plant for the nectar offering hydration and sugar. Bumblebees forage, in addition, for its nectar.
    For more information on native plants, beneficial insects, vegetable and ornamental gardening, feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension, bylinowskic@missouri.edu.
 
Resources: Missouri Extension; M401 brochure; Pollinators of Native Plants by Heather Holm; Attracting Native Pollinators; The Xerces Society Guide

     Maintaining a yard and garden can take a lot of time, energy, and money. There are many rewards for all that effort; one is the wonderful fragrance of Common Lilacs. If you have been thinking of getting a lilac for your yard, May is a good time to plant one.
     There are many species and hybrids of lilacs. They all need:

• Full sun- The ideal spot to plant lilacs is in an area with full sun (at least 6 to 8 hours per day). They may not bloom if planted in too much shade. Newly planted lilacs need a couple years before they bloom.
• Well-drained soil- Lilacs like slightly alkaline and moist soil that does not stay soggy.
• Room to grow and good air circulation- Lilacs need room to grow to their mature size. Good air circulation helps with disease prevention.
• Water lilacs during dry periods to help the plants stay healthy.

    Do research on the wide variety of lilacs available before purchasing one. Here is a short list of lilacs that meet a wide range of landscaping functions:

Old Fashioned or Common Lilacs- Syringa vulgaris
     Common Lilacs bloom from mid to late April through mid- May. They grow to 15 feet tall. The fragrance is special- a mixture of sweetness and intense perfume. In my mind there is no other flower fragrance else like it. Smelling a cluster of lilac flowers is a yearly, spring treat!
Pruning a portion of the old wood on Common Lilacs helps prevent borers, powdery mildew, and increases longevity.

More Lilacs

French hybrids Lilacs- These are dense, upright-growing shrubs. The flower color of these lilacs ranges from white to pink to lavender to blue and purple. Both single and double flowered forms are available. The flowers of most varieties are very fragrant. They grow up to 15 feet tall and 3-4 ft. wide

Korean Lilac- Syringa pubescens subsp. patula, also known as Korean Lilac “Miss Kim”. They grow 4ft to 9ft. tall and 5 to 7ft. wide.

Dwarf Korean Lilac- Syringa meyeri, grow up to 5-8ft tall, 5-7 ft wide. Both of Korean lilacs have a sweet scent. They will bloom 1-2 years after planting.

Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata, is a medium to small tree. They grow up to 25 feet tall. Japanese Tree Lilacs have a rounded form and spreading growth. Large clusters of fragrant white flowers appear about mid-June, or about 4 to 6 weeks later than Common Lilac.
The odor is different than Common Lilac. It is sweet, similar to privet flowers. The bark is reddish brown and attractive in winter. It is considered one of the hardiest lilacs.

Planting- Plant lilacs no deeper than they were planted in the pot you bought it in. Lilacs benefit from light mulching, especially as they are getting established. Remember no mulch volcanoes! Keep mulch off the trunk of the plant.

Pruning- Proper pruning is necessary to keep the plants attractive and to promote heavy flower production. After the plant becomes established, about one-third of the old stems should be removed each year. Older lilac stems may be attacked by borers. Proper pruning helps to minimize this problem.

Some Lilac Diseases and Pests
     Powdery mildew looks like whitish powder on the leaf. It is caused by a fungal infection. It is can be a problem on some lilacs. Be sure to prune lilacs to increase air circulation. While powdery mildew can be unsightly, it will rarely kill the plant. Fungicides can be used to prevent powdery mildew. Be sure to read the label before use.
     Lilac borers can be a problem. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the recommended strategy for controlling this and other pests. IPM starts with simple pest control methods before using any chemical insecticides.  For more information, review this link to the Missouri Botanical Garden-  https://bit.ly/3vVFZzO
     Need more information on lilacs or other ornamental plants? Feel free to contact me or the Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Hotline- 816-833-TREE (8733) mggkc.hotline@gmail.com.

     Spring is here and it’s time to dust off the gray and grime of winter. Westlake Ace Hardware offers these top five tips to help get a lawn, garden, and patio in top shape for the warmer months ahead.


Mow Early, Mow Right: A common mistake many homeowners make is not mowing their lawns early enough in the spring. A good mowing right now, with the collection bag attached, will help remove old debris and give the lawn a neat appearance. Also, since most grasses should maintain a three-inch height for optimal health, a spring mowing will trim off excess early growth and get the grass ready for the season. Make sure your mower engine is tuned up, has fresh oil, a clean air filter, and a sharp blade. If your gasoline-powered mower has seen better days, now might be a good time to up your game and make the switch to an environmentally friendly EGO battery-powered model.


Make Your Beds: Clean out your garden and landscaped beds, removing dried leaves, branches, and dead plants from last summer. Some weeds may already be growing, so either dig them up or apply a weed control product. Once the beds are cleaned out, add up to three inches of mulch – especially around the bases of trees, shrubs, and perennial plants. Not only will it give the beds a tidy look, but it will also help prevent weeds and diseases throughout the summer.


Clean and Revitalize: Winter leaves behind a lot of dirt, grime, and dust on patios and decks. Break out the leaf blower, power washer, and hose and give your patio or deck a cleaning. While you’re at it, scrub and clean your outdoor furniture and patio umbrellas with a mild soap and water solution. This is a great time to think about how you use the space, and make plans to rearrange, replace, or repair furniture.


Make It Glow: Decorating an outdoor space with lights takes the backyard oasis ambiance to another level. String globe lights between poles, through pergolas, attach them around the edges of the patio roof, or line a fence. The lights give any space a warm and festive glow for the coming summer evenings. A fire pit can create an inviting centerpiece and provides cozy warmth on cooler evenings. 


Ready the grill. Get your grill cleaned and ready for delicious summertime cookouts. Remove the grates and let them soak in warm soapy water before scrubbing with a brush. Scrape any charred drippings from the grate and burners and vacuum the inside of the grill with a shop vac. Clean the grill’s exterior with a mixture of dish soap and warm water and use a stainless-steel cleaner to bring back the shine. Spring’s also a good time to clean out the grease trap and replace the propane canister.

Review these top ten reasons to get a soil test in your garden:
• Maximize the productivity of your garden. Soil tests identify yield-robbing deficiencies and provide recommendations for fertilizer and amendments.
• Reward your hard work with hard science. Fertilizer recommendations that are provided with soil test reports are based on sound research, which maximizes results from fertilizer use.
• Learn a little — or maybe a lot. Soil test recommendations come with information that will teach and inform about best management practices for your yard and garden.
• Save by applying only the amount of fertilizer that is needed. A soil test will determine the amount of nutrients that your soil will supply, so unnecessary fertilizer applications can be avoided.
• Be healthy. Well fertilized fruits and vegetables result in more nutritious food. Nutrient deficient soil yields produce that is lower in nutrients and protein.
• Protect the environment. Applying fertilizer according to soil test recommendations prevents excessive fertilizer applications. Fertilizer applied in excess of plant need increases the likelihood that it will run off into lakes, ponds, streams and rivers.
• Conserve. Don’t apply fertilizer when it isn’t needed. Fertilizers are made from our natural resources (natural gas and nutrient-bearing rocks). Unnecessary applications of fertilizer needlessly use those resources.
• Inventory your soil resource. Knowing the nutrient levels in your soil can help you plan future garden or yard management and needs.
• Color your lawn/flower bed/shrubs. A properly fertilized soil will result in a deep green color in your lawn. Properly fertilized flowers and shrubs will maintain a healthy appearance. Some shrubs will flower only if the soil is maintained with appropriate fertility.
• Detect what is wrong with your plants. A soil test can help solve the riddle of what could be ailing your plant(s) or lawn.
​
When is the best time for a soil test?
     Soil samples can be taken in the spring or fall for established sites. For new sites, soil samples can be taken any time when the soil is workable. Most people conduct their soil tests in the spring. Fall is a preferred time to take soil tests if one suspects a soil pH problem and wants to avoid the spring rush. Fall soil testing will allow you ample time to apply lime to raise the soil pH. Sulfur should be applied in the spring if the soil pH needs to be lowered.
     Want to learn more about testing your garden soil? Go to MU Extension’s Soil and Plant Testing Laboratory website to learn more:
https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/soil-and-plant-testing-laboratory

     Tiny ruby-throated hummingbirds dazzle us with their iridescent feathers and incredible speed in flight. Their presence adds excitement and interest to our gardens. They are surging north now and will arrive in Missouri by mid to late April. Planting appropriate plants can encourage these beautiful birds to visit our yards, gardens, and larger properties.

Planting for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
     Red, pink, and orange tubular flowers are favorites of hummingbirds. They will drink nectar from a range of flower colors, including white and yellow.
     Consider, too, that hummingbirds need insects as a source of protein, especially when they are nest building and feeding their young. Plants with flowers with a wide, landing pad shaped inflorescence attract small insects which also supply a food source for hummingbirds.
     The ruby-throated hummingbird’s long, needle-like beak and long tongue allows them to drink flower nectar. Scientific studies indicate that trumpet vines Campsis radicans co-evolved with ruby-throated hummingbirds. The flowers supply the birds with nectar and pollen as the bird supplies pollination for the flower.
     While many gardeners find trumpet vines very aggressive, they can be controlled with heavy pruning when the plant is still dormant in late winter, frequent mowing near the base of the vine, removal of sprouts and sprouting underground stems, and removal of old blooms and immature seed pods.
     Other native plants that attract ruby-throated hummingbirds include:

• Cardinal Flowers
• Red Buckeye and Ohio Buckeyes
• Blue Sage (also called Pitcher Sage)

     Here is a link to a MU Publication Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Property https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g9419
     This publication includes important information on ruby-throated hummingbirds’ life cycle and habitat and feeding needs.
     Non-native plants that supply nectar for hummingbirds include:

• Cleomes
• Petunias
• Hollyhocks (single flowers)

     Be sure to avoid using pesticides on flowering plants which hummingbirds visit to forage for nectar. Avoid plants grown with neonicotinoids systemic pesticides, too.

Hummingbird Feeders
     Supplemental feeding with nectar made with 1-part white granulated sugar to 4-parts of water in an easy to clean feeder helps hummingbirds survive, too. Clean feeders often to avoid bacteria growth (cloudy nectar) which can make them sick.
     Use a feeder that has red parts to attract hummingbirds. Using nectar with red dye or adding it to your nectar is not recommended. It may harm the tiny birds.
     Never use honey, artificial sugar, or brown sugar to make nectar. These ingredients can make hummingbirds sick.
     Here are links with helpful information on helping ruby throated hummingbirds thrive in your yard and garden:
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/activities/bird-feeding/attracting-hummingbirds
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/ruby-throated-hummingbird
     Have more garden questions? Feel free to contact Cathy Bylinowski, MU Extension Horticulture Instructor, bylinowskic@missouri.edu, for information.
 

Care for feathered friends during the coldest time of year with these easy-to-do projects.
by Westlake Ace Hardware

     We all love the sights and sounds of birds in our gardens and around our homes, but the winter months can be tough on our feathered friends. Because the short days, frigid nights, lack of food, and frozen water can make life very hard on wild birds, there are several ways homeowners can help ensure local bird populations thrive during the coldest time of year. To make the coming weeks and months as comfortable as possible for birds, Westlake Ace Hardware suggests these easy-to-do projects to supplement their diets and provide safe shelter and hydration. 

The Never-Freeze Hydration Station
     During winter, dehydration is often a bigger threat to birds than starvation. Because most natural water sources are often frozen solid this time of year, think about creating a Hydration Station near your bird feeders this winter. The water source will help them stay hydrated and properly preened. Preening helps keep feathers aligned, which is essential for birds to sufficiently insulate themselves from the cold. 
     The easiest and least expensive way to provide access to unfrozen water is to install a heating element to an existing all-weather birdbath. The heating element will keep the water above freezing, even during the coldest months. Installation is easy and can be accomplished by running a weatherproof extension cord to the birdbath and securing it around the base with zip ties – which will help prevent it from becoming unplugged. 

A Wintertime “Bird Buffet”
     Wild birds survive the winter at a higher rate if they have access to feeders. Therefore, providing reliable sources of high-calorie, high-energy, and high-fat foods is essential. To accomplish this, set up several separate feeding stations: one or two for seed and another for suet. This will ensure you accommodate the widest array of bird species possible. Place the feeders in an area of your yard protected from high winds and replenish the feed often. Because birds need to keep their weight up to keep warm in the winter, they eat more than you think.
     The sunflower, safflower, peanuts, raisins, dehydrated cherries, rendered beef suet pieces, and other ingredients in seed blends such as Audubon Park provide much-needed boosts of energy. Also, to help birds preserve energy in the winter, consider switching to blends that contain “hulled” seed varieties, making it easier for them to access much-needed nutrition. Suet is made from a combination of nutrient-dense animal fats and seeds, helps replace scarce live insects, and provides a high-calorie treat. 
     Not all bird species eat at feeders. For ground-feeding birds such as doves, juncos, thrashers, and cardinals, scatter seed under bushes, decks, and other areas where they are more protected from predators and icy winds. A discarded Christmas tree – placed on its side near a feeding area – provides excellent protection from the elements and it will help keep food accessible if there is a snowfall. 
 
A Roof for Roosting
     Birds have many natural defenses to help guard against the cold, mainly the ability to fluff up their feathers. However, on frigid nights and during storms, most birds look for a warm and protected place to hunker down and roost. If you have birdhouses in your garden, leave them up during the winter. Many bird species will use the birdhouses for roosting on freezing nights. Easy to install, mount the houses at least five feet off the ground on tree trunks or wooden fence posts. Take care to locate them away from prevailing winds and feeding areas (as it will keep the birds safe from predators). Add some grass clippings, straw, or wood shavings to the bottom of the houses to help the birds stay warm.