A TikTok gardener known as The Floral Gardener has shared a simple, cost-free method to attract birds to your garden: water. In a viral video, she explained that offering multiple water sources is more effective than seeds or bread, and most households already have the necessary items.
Why Water Works Better Than Food
The Floral Gardener stated: "Want birds in your garden? Forget the seed. This works better and it's free." She noted that even with bird boxes and food, birds may not visit, but water reliably draws them in. "Give birds multiple water sources and they will flock to your gardens," she added. She reported having three water features and a pond, but bowls or plant pots filled with water work just as well.
Birds use water not only for drinking but also for bathing, making it a versatile attractant. The gardener claimed that results are often "absolutely amazing."
Critical Importance in July
July heatwaves can be stressful for birds, as they cannot sweat and rely on water to cool down and rehydrate. Placing fresh water in shaded spots near cover like trees or bushes allows birds to escape predators quickly. The water should be shallow—approximately 2.5cm to 5cm deep—and changed daily to prevent disease and mosquito breeding. Adding rough stones or pebbles helps smaller birds and insects climb out safely.
While feeding birds is optional, bread is discouraged due to its lack of nutrients. Water alone is sufficient to attract a variety of species.
