Give your hummingbirds a boost

Do you have hanging baskets or planter containers? Some of your flowers may be attracting hummingbirds. But if they're not--or if you want to give hummingbirds an additional incentive to visit your plants--try this novel hummingbird feeder.

The feeder has a metal stem that you insert into the soil of the hanging basket or container garden. All you have to do is attach the bee guard, which comes with the package. Then fill the feeder with nectar.

The manufacturer recommends using nectar powder. All you have to do is add water from the tap--no boiling is necessary. Never feed hummingbirds with liquid containing red food dye or honey. It will harm them.

Cleaning the feeder is easy. Wash gently with soap and water twice a week, and then rinse before refilling. For a more thorough cleaning, use a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts tap water. Then rinse well afterward.

By the way, ideal plants for hanging baskets or containers include fuchsia, geraniums, impatiens, salvia, red or magenta petunias, nasturtium, and red or pink begonias.