Winter in Atlantic Canada can be demanding for backyard birds. Short daylight hours, frozen ground, deep snow, coastal winds and sudden changes in temperature can make natural food more difficult to find.

While native plants, shrubs and trees remain important sources of natural food and shelter, a well-maintained feeder can provide visiting birds with an additional source of energy during the colder months.

Choosing the best birdseed for winter is not simply about filling a feeder with any available mix. Black oil sunflower seed, peanuts, suet and mixed birdseed each appeal to different species and provide different nutritional benefits.

By matching the food with the right feeder and the birds in your backyard, you can reduce waste, improve feeder activity and support a wider variety of Atlantic Canadian winter birds.

What Do Winter Birds Need?

Birds use significant energy to maintain body temperature during cold weather. They must also continue flying, searching for food and avoiding predators while working with fewer daylight hours.

High-energy foods rich in fat can be especially valuable during winter. However, feeder birds also need reliable access to clean, dry food that suits the size and shape of their bills.

A varied winter feeding station may include:

No single food attracts every bird. Offering two or more options can help create a more active and diverse backyard feeding area.

Black Oil Sunflower Seed: The Best All-Around Choice

If you plan to offer only one type of winter birdseed, black oil sunflower seed is an excellent place to start.

Black oil sunflower seeds have relatively thin shells that many birds can open. The kernels provide fat and energy, making them well suited to cold-weather feeding.

Common Atlantic Canadian birds attracted to black oil sunflower seed include:

Not every species will appear in every yard, and some winter visitors vary from year to year. Feeder activity is influenced by habitat, weather, natural food supplies and regional movement.

Best Feeders for Black Oil Sunflower Seed

Black oil sunflower seed works well in:

Choose a feeder with drainage and enough protection to keep seed as dry as possible. Atlantic Canadian winters often bring a combination of rain, freezing rain, snow and thawing conditions, which can cause exposed seed to become wet or frozen.

Whole Seed or Sunflower Hearts?

Whole black oil sunflower seed is economical and stores well, but the discarded shells can accumulate beneath feeders.

Sunflower hearts or chips eliminate most shell waste and are easier for birds to eat. They can attract many of the same species, but the exposed kernels may spoil more quickly when wet. Offer smaller quantities and check the feeder frequently.

Peanuts: High-Energy Food for Bold Backyard Visitors

Peanuts are rich in fat and protein, making them a popular winter food for several larger birds as well as chickadees and nuthatches.

Birds commonly attracted to peanuts include:

Blue jays may carry whole peanuts away and store them for later. Chickadees and nuthatches often visit feeders for peanut pieces that can be eaten quickly or cached nearby.

Whole Peanuts

Whole peanuts in the shell are particularly appealing to blue jays and other larger birds. They can be offered in a sturdy platform feeder or a feeder designed specifically for peanuts.

Whole peanuts may also attract squirrels, crows and other wildlife. A weight-sensitive or squirrel-resistant feeder can help if smaller birds are your priority.

Shelled Peanuts and Peanut Pieces

Shelled peanuts or peanut pieces are easier for smaller birds to manage. Use a wire-mesh peanut feeder or another design that limits the amount removed at one time.

Only offer peanuts that are:

Peanuts can absorb moisture and spoil, so avoid overfilling feeders during wet weather. Discard any peanuts that appear damp, mouldy or rancid.

Suet: Cold-Weather Fuel for Woodpeckers and Insect-Eating Birds

Suet is a concentrated source of fat that is especially useful during cold weather. It can supplement the insects and larvae that many birds search for in tree bark throughout the year.

Winter birds commonly attracted to suet include:

Choosing a Suet Blend

Suet cakes are available in several blends, including varieties containing:

Peanut and insect blends often appeal to woodpeckers and nuthatches, while fruit blends may attract additional seasonal visitors.

Choose a quality product intended specifically for wild birds. Avoid feeding kitchen grease or heavily processed fats, which may contain salt, seasonings or other unsuitable ingredients.

Best Suet Feeders

A basic wire suet cage works well for many yards. Other options include:

Mount the feeder near trees or shrubs where birds can approach from cover, but place it carefully so predators cannot hide immediately beside it.

Suet performs best in cool weather. Inspect it during warm spells and replace any product that becomes spoiled, dirty or rancid.

Mixed Birdseed: Variety in One Bag

A quality mixed birdseed can attract several species with different feeding preferences. It may include black oil sunflower seed, white millet, cracked corn, sunflower chips and other grains or seeds.

Depending on the ingredients, mixed seed may attract:

Read the Ingredient List

Not all mixed birdseed provides the same value. Some blends contain a high proportion of inexpensive grains that local birds may leave behind.

When birds scatter unwanted ingredients while searching for preferred seeds, more food ends up on the ground. This creates waste and may attract rodents.

Look for a blend with recognizable, appealing ingredients such as:

The best blend depends on the birds using your yard. Pay attention to which ingredients disappear and which remain in the feeder or collect underneath it.

Best Feeders for Mixed Seed

Mixed birdseed can be offered in:

A hopper feeder protects seed better than an open tray during snow or rain. Ground-feeding birds may appreciate seed offered close to ground level, but feeding areas must be kept especially clean to reduce contamination and rodent activity.

Quick Winter Birdseed Comparison

Black Oil Sunflower Seed

Best for: A wide variety of backyard birds
Likely visitors: Chickadees, cardinals, nuthatches, finches, grosbeaks and woodpeckers
Best feeder: Tube, hopper or squirrel-resistant feeder
Main benefit: High-energy seed with broad appeal

Peanuts

Best for: Larger birds and energetic winter visitors
Likely visitors: Blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers
Best feeder: Mesh peanut feeder, platform or specialty peanut feeder
Main benefit: Concentrated fat and protein

Suet

Best for: Clinging and insect-eating birds
Likely visitors: Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and brown creepers
Best feeder: Suet cage or tail-prop feeder
Main benefit: Concentrated cold-weather energy

Mixed Birdseed

Best for: Attracting birds with varied preferences
Likely visitors: Juncos, sparrows, doves, cardinals, chickadees and finches
Best feeder: Hopper, platform or covered tray feeder
Main benefit: Multiple food types in one blend

Match the Feeder to the Bird

The food you offer is only half of the equation. Feeder design determines which birds can comfortably access it.

Tube Feeders

Tube feeders are well suited to chickadees, nuthatches and finches. Models with short perches can limit access by some larger birds.

Hopper Feeders

Hopper feeders hold a larger quantity of seed and provide some protection from precipitation. They can attract both small and medium-sized birds.

Platform Feeders

Open platform feeders accommodate cardinals, jays, doves and other birds that prefer a broad landing area. Because the food is more exposed, these feeders require frequent cleaning and careful weather monitoring.

Suet Feeders

Wire cages and tail-prop feeders allow woodpeckers and other clinging birds to feed in a natural position.

Ground-Feeding Areas

Juncos, sparrows and mourning doves often search for fallen seed. Keep the ground beneath feeders clean and avoid allowing damp seed and hulls to accumulate.

Create a Winter Feeding Station

Instead of combining every food in one feeder, consider creating a small feeding station with several options.

A balanced setup might include:

  1. Black oil sunflower seed in a tube or hopper feeder.
  2. Suet in a cage mounted nearby.
  3. Peanuts in a mesh feeder.
  4. Mixed seed in a covered feeder for cardinals, juncos and sparrows.

Spacing feeders apart can reduce crowding and give timid species more opportunities to eat.

Trees, shrubs and evergreen cover provide places for birds to perch and shelter from weather. A yard with varied natural habitat is often more attractive than an exposed feeder by itself.

Keep Winter Birdseed Fresh and Dry

Atlantic Canadian weather can quickly turn good birdseed into wet, frozen or mouldy feed.

To protect your seed:

Birdseed should smell fresh. If it appears mouldy, wet or rancid, discard it.

Clean Feeders Regularly

Many birds gathering in one location can increase the risk of disease transmission. Clean feeders regularly and more frequently when conditions are wet or when bird activity is heavy.

Remove old seed and hulls, wash the feeder appropriately and allow it to dry completely before refilling. Clean the ground beneath feeding stations and rotate feeder locations when practical.

If you notice birds that appear unusually lethargic, have swollen or crusted eyes, struggle to eat or remain fluffed up for long periods, temporarily remove the feeders and seek current guidance from a wildlife-health or bird-conservation authority.

Reduce Waste and Rodent Activity

Food left on the ground can attract mice, rats and other unwanted visitors.

Reduce waste by:

Hulled seed creates less shell debris, but any uneaten food still needs to be cleaned up.

Don’t Forget Water

Birds need water in winter for drinking and feather maintenance. Natural water can be difficult to access when ponds, puddles and birdbaths freeze.

A heated birdbath designed for outdoor winter use can provide a valuable water source. Follow all product instructions and use safe electrical connections intended for outdoor conditions.

Keep water shallow and clean it regularly. Do not add salt, antifreeze or other chemicals to prevent freezing.

Choose Birdseed Based on the Birds You Want to See

For the widest variety of Atlantic Canadian winter birds, start with black oil sunflower seed. Add suet to attract woodpeckers, chickadees and nuthatches. Offer peanuts for blue jays and other bold visitors, then include a quality mixed seed for ground-feeding birds and species that enjoy smaller grains.

The strongest winter feeding setup combines:

Feeds’n Needs carries black oil sunflower seed, peanuts, suet, mixed birdseed, feeders and birdseed-storage solutions to help you build a dependable winter feeding station. Product selection may vary by location, so visit your local store and speak with our knowledgeable team about the birds visiting your backyard.

Choose the right seed, keep your feeders clean and enjoy the colour and activity that winter birds bring to Maritime backyards.

Winter Wellness for Dogs: The Right Foods for the Season

Winter has arrived, and while we’re cozy under blankets and sipping warm drinks, our dogs feel the chill too. Winter isn’t just about keeping them warm, it’s about giving them the right nutrition to stay healthy and energetic all season long.

If you’re a pet parent wondering how to support your dog during colder months, here’s what you need to know.

Why Winter Nutrition Matters

Cold weather means your dog uses more energy to stay warm. Without proper nutrition, they can experience fatigue, a dull coat, or lowered immunity. A balanced diet tailored for winter helps keep them strong, active, and happy.

Essential Food Categories for Winter Wellness

  1. Protein-Packed Meals
    Protein is the foundation of your dog’s health. It supports muscle strength and energy—especially important when temperatures drop. Look for high-quality kibble or wet food featuring real meat like chicken, fish, or lamb.

Tip: Check labels for “high-protein” formulas to meet seasonal energy needs.

  1. Healthy Fats for Warmth
    Fats provide concentrated energy and help maintain a shiny coat. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are key for skin health and warmth. Fish oil or flaxseed are great additions, and many premium foods include these naturally.

Pro Tip: Balance is important, too much fat can lead to weight gain.

  1. Fibre for Digestive Health
    Seasonal changes can affect digestion. Fibre from carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes keeps your dog’s gut healthy and helps them feel full. Many complete diets include fibre-rich ingredients for convenience.
  2. Vitamins & Minerals for Immunity
    Winter can challenge your dog’s immune system. Nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc help fight seasonal stress. Choose foods fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to keep their defences strong.
  3. Hydration-Friendly Options
    Dogs often drink less water in winter. Wet food or pet-safe broths can help maintain hydration. Serving warm broth over kibble is a comforting way to boost fluid intake.

Extra Tips for Winter Care

  • Adjust Portions: If your dog is less active, reduce food slightly to avoid weight gain.
  • Serve Warm Meals: A little warmth makes mealtime more inviting.
  • Keep Them Cozy: Blankets, coats, and indoor play keep your dog comfortable and happy.

The Bottom Line

Winter doesn’t have to slow your dog down. By focusing on protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and hydration, you’ll help them thrive through the season. Explore Feeds’n Needs’ selection of premium pet foods and winter care essentials—because a healthy dog is a happy dog.

Happy dog licking their lips
Happy dog licking their lips

The Benefits Of A Raw Food Diet For Dogs & Cats

If your pet could write their own grocery list, there’s a good chance “more raw food, please!” would be at the top. Raw diets have been getting tons of love lately and for good reason! From better nutrition to allergy‑friendly options, there are plenty of benefits packed into every bowl. And when it comes to choosing a trustworthy raw brand, Big Country Raw is a standout star.

  • Made in Canada, With Love (and Great Ingredients)
    Big Country Raw is a Canadian, family‑owned company based in Ontario, proudly using Canadian‑sourced ingredients in all their recipes, except their imported kangaroo protein (which would be tricky to find in the wilds of Ontario). Their commitment to local sourcing means fresher ingredients and higher quality in every bite. Plus, with a certified pet nutritionist on staff, they ensure every recipe is expertly balanced to support your pet’s health from bowl to tail.
  • Safety You Can Trust
    Big Country Raw is HACCP certified, an internationally recognized food safety standard that ensures strict control over biological, chemical, and physical hazards. It’s the same level of oversight used in human food production, giving pet parents peace of mind.
  • Allergy‑Friendly Options & So Much Variety
    Got an itchy dog? A picky eater? A pet with mysterious tummy troubles? With nine different proteins and a wide range of natural supplements, Big Country Raw makes it easy to tailor meals to your pet’s needs. Dogs with allergies or health concerns often thrive on raw because it’s minimally processed and rich in clean, species‑appropriate ingredients.
  • Nutrients That Actually Get Absorbed
    The magic of raw food is how naturally digestible it is. Without heavy processing, pets can absorb nutrients more effectively leading to shinier coats, better digestion, and a whole lot more tail wagging.
  • Cats Need Taurine, Raw Has Plenty
    Fun fact: cats can’t produce their own taurine, an essential nutrient for heart health, vision, and overall wellbeing. Big Country Raw’s cat formulas naturally contain high taurine levels, giving your feline friend exactly what they need.
  • Backed by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
    Trying raw for the first time? No stress! Big Country Raw backs all food and supplements with a 100% satisfaction guarantee, making raw feeding easier and more approachable for everyone.

Raw feeding doesn’t have to be complicated—and with high-quality brands like Big Country Raw, it’s easier than ever. Better ingredients, better nutrition, and better results… your pet just might thank you with extra cuddles.

If you have any questions about a raw food diet for your pet, the knowledgeable staff at Feeds’n Needs are happy to help!

More info on raw food diets: Raw Master Class

Winter Wellness for Dogs: The Right Foods for the Season

Winter has arrived, and while we’re cozy under blankets and sipping warm drinks, our dogs feel the chill too. Winter isn’t just about keeping them warm, it’s about giving them the right nutrition to stay healthy and energetic all season long.

If you’re a pet parent wondering how to support your dog during colder months, here’s what you need to know.

Why Winter Nutrition Matters

Cold weather means your dog uses more energy to stay warm. Without proper nutrition, they can experience fatigue, a dull coat, or lowered immunity. A balanced diet tailored for winter helps keep them strong, active, and happy.

Essential Food Categories for Winter Wellness

  1. Protein-Packed Meals
    Protein is the foundation of your dog’s health. It supports muscle strength and energy—especially important when temperatures drop. Look for high-quality kibble or wet food featuring real meat like chicken, fish, or lamb.

Tip: Check labels for “high-protein” formulas to meet seasonal energy needs.

  1. Healthy Fats for Warmth
    Fats provide concentrated energy and help maintain a shiny coat. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are key for skin health and warmth. Fish oil or flaxseed are great additions, and many premium foods include these naturally.

Pro Tip: Balance is important, too much fat can lead to weight gain.

  1. Fibre for Digestive Health
    Seasonal changes can affect digestion. Fibre from carrots, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes keeps your dog’s gut healthy and helps them feel full. Many complete diets include fibre-rich ingredients for convenience.
  2. Vitamins & Minerals for Immunity
    Winter can challenge your dog’s immune system. Nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc help fight seasonal stress. Choose foods fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to keep their defences strong.
  3. Hydration-Friendly Options
    Dogs often drink less water in winter. Wet food or pet-safe broths can help maintain hydration. Serving warm broth over kibble is a comforting way to boost fluid intake.

Extra Tips for Winter Care

  • Adjust Portions: If your dog is less active, reduce food slightly to avoid weight gain.
  • Serve Warm Meals: A little warmth makes mealtime more inviting.
  • Keep Them Cozy: Blankets, coats, and indoor play keep your dog comfortable and happy.

The Bottom Line

Winter doesn’t have to slow your dog down. By focusing on protein, healthy fats, fibre, vitamins, and hydration, you’ll help them thrive through the season. Explore Feeds’n Needs’ selection of premium pet foods and winter care essentials—because a healthy dog is a happy dog.

Planting Garlic Bulbs

Garlic is one of the easiest and most rewarding crops to grow in your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, planting garlic in the fall sets you up for a flavourful harvest next summer. Here’s everything you need to know to get started.

Choosing Your Garlic Type

Before planting, decide which type of garlic suits your climate and needs:

  • Softneck Garlic: Ideal for warmer regions, this variety has a flexible stem perfect for braiding and tends to store longer.
  • Hardneck Garlic: Best for colder climates, it produces edible flower stalks called scapes in spring. Removing the scapes helps the plant focus on growing larger bulbs.

When to Plant Garlic

Garlic is typically planted in the fall, from mid-October until the ground freezes. This gives the cloves time to establish roots before winter sets in.

How to Plant Garlic

  1. Pick the Right Spot
    Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Garlic needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and doesn’t like soggy conditions.
  2. Prepare the Soil
    Loosen the soil and dig holes about 2–6 inches deep. Go deeper in colder climates and shallower in warmer ones.
  3. Separate the Cloves
    Break apart the garlic bulb just before planting. Keep the papery skin on each clove intact, even if some flakes off.
  4. Plant the Cloves
    Place each clove in the hole with the pointy end facing up and the flat root end down. Space them 4–8 inches apart.
  5. Cover and Water
    Fill the holes with soil, gently tamp it down, and add a light layer of mulch. Water thoroughly to help the roots settle in.

Spring Garlic Care

  • Fertilize: When green shoots appear in spring, apply a balanced fertilizer.
  • Water: Keep the soil moist during dry spells.
  • Weed: Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients.

Harvesting Garlic

Garlic is ready to harvest in late spring to early summer. Here’s how to know when it’s time:

  • Hardneck Garlic: Watch for curly scapes in late spring. Snip them off to encourage bulb growth. Bonus: scapes are delicious sautéed!
  • All Varieties: When about half the leaves turn yellow and flop over, it’s harvest time. Use a garden fork to gently lift the bulbs from the soil.

Let the bulbs cure in a dry, shaded spot for a couple of weeks. Once dry, trim the stems or braid softneck varieties for storage.

Storing Garlic

Store garlic in a cool, dark place with good air circulation. Mesh bags, baskets, or hanging braids work well. Properly cured garlic can last 4–6 months. Use any damaged bulbs first, as they won’t store as long.

Ready to grow your own garlic? With just a little effort this fall, you’ll be rewarded with a flavorful harvest next year. Happy planting!

Best Vegetables to Can for Beginners

Canning is a fantastic way to preserve your garden harvest and enjoy fresh-tasting vegetables all year long. If you’re new to the process, starting with easy, reliable options can make your first season a success. Here are ten of the best vegetables to can for beginners that taste just as good months later as the day you packed them.

  1. Asparagus – Tender asparagus is a spring favorite that cans surprisingly well. Start with fresh, firm stalks, trim them to fit your jars, and blanch before packing. Whether you add them to salads, stir-fries, or snack straight from the jar, you’ll be glad you preserved them when winter rolls around.
  1. Beets – With their rich color and earthy flavor, beets are as beautiful as they are delicious. Leave a bit of stem and root when boiling to keep juices in, then slip off the skins before canning. They can be preserved whole, halved, or quartered, making them perfect for salads, side dishes, or snacking.
  1. Carrots – Crisp, sweet carrots hold their texture wonderfully after canning. Simply wash, peel, and cut them into slices or chunks. They’re great for soups, stews, or quick side dishes—and pulling a jar off the shelf is much easier than peeling fresh ones on a busy night.
  1. Corn – Fresh corn is hard to beat, and canning lets you keep that summer flavour on hand. Cut the kernels from the cob without scraping too close (to avoid tough bits) and pack them for year-round use in chowders, casseroles, and side dishes.
  1. Cucumbers – Cucumbers are a classic canning choice—especially for pickles. Small ones stay crisp, while larger cucumbers can be sliced into spears or rounds. With the right brine, you’ll have tangy, crunchy pickles that brighten any meal.
  1. Green Beans – Whether you prefer them whole or cut into bite-sized pieces, green beans are a canning staple. Just snap off the ends, rinse, and pack them in jars. They stay tender yet firm, making them a reliable side dish straight from the pantry.
  1. Peas – Peas might not be the first vegetable you think of for canning, but they’re a hidden gem. Shell and blanch them to lock in their bright green color, then preserve them on their own or as part of a mixed vegetable blend. Their sweet pop adds flavour to soups, stews, and salads.
  1. Peppers – From sweet bells to spicy varieties, peppers are versatile and full of flavor. Blister or boil them to remove skins before canning. Small peppers can be left whole, while larger ones work well halved or sliced for quick fajitas, pasta, or stir-fries.
  1. Tomatoes – Tomatoes are practically made for canning. Use them for sauces, soups, stews, or salsa. Blanch to slip off the skins, then choose your style—whole, diced, or puréed. Season with herbs like basil or garlic for ready-to-use flavor boosters.
  1. Radishes – Not just for salads, radishes shine when pickled. Their peppery bite mellows into a tangy, slightly sweet crunch that’s perfect for tacos, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards. They’re quick to grow, easy to prepare, and add something unique to your pantry lineup.

Start small and build your skills each season. With just a few jars of each of these vegetables, you’ll be stocking your pantry with homemade goodness—and you might find yourself looking forward to canning season as much as the harvest itself.

Dog-Friendly Pupsicle

Summer is here, and the temperatures are high — which means your pup might be looking for a tasty way to beat the heat! Why not treat them to a refreshing, homemade dog-friendly pupsicle? It’s super simple to make and guaranteed to have your furry friend jumping for joy!

What You’ll Need:
1–2 cups of goat’s milk (we recommend Big Country Raw, available at Feeds’n Needs)
4 standard 6″ bully sticks (also available at Feeds’n Needs)
Your pup’s favourite treat
Popsicle mold of your choice

How to Make It:
Step 1: Place your dog’s favourite treat inside the popsicle mold.
Step 2: Pour in the goat’s milk to fill the mold, then insert a bully stick as the “popsicle stick.” Secure the top and pop it into the freezer.
Step 3: Once frozen solid, remove the mold and run it under warm water for a few seconds to help release the pupsicle.
Step 4: Serve it to your dog and watch them go wild! (Pro tip: enjoy this treat outdoors to avoid any sticky mess inside.)

Extra Protein Boost
Want to make this treat even more nutritious? Add some of your pet’s raw food to the mix! Simply thaw or rehydrate the meat, puree it, and pack it into the popsicle mold along with the goat’s milk.

These dog-friendly pupsicles are a fun, healthy way to help your pup stay cool and hydrated all summer long!

How to Get Started Growing Strawberries

There’s something truly satisfying about harvesting fresh, juicy strawberries from your own garden. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, strawberries are a rewarding and relatively easy crop to grow—especially with our Maritime climate. Here’s everything you need to know to get started on the path to a bountiful strawberry harvest.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location and Prepare the Soil

Strawberries love the sun and thrive in fertile, well-drained soil. Here’s how to set the stage for success:

  • Sunlight: Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Drainage: Avoid areas with heavy clay or soggy soil. Strawberries hate “wet feet,” so good drainage is key.
  • Soil Amendment: Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to boost nutrients and improve texture.
  • Soil pH: Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. You can test your soil using a simple home testing ki available at your local Feeds’n Needs.

Step 2: Plant the Strawberry Crowns

Once your soil is prepped, it’s time to plant:

  • When to Plant: Spring is ideal, though fall planting can work in milder regions.
  • Planting Depth: Dig holes large enough for the roots. Position the crown (where the roots meet the stems) level with the soil surface.
  • Spacing: Space each plant about 20 inches apart. This helps with airflow and reduces disease risk.

Step 3: First-Year Plant Care

Your plants need a little TLC in their first season to set the stage for future harvests:

  • Watering: Water thoroughly after planting and regularly throughout the season, especially during dry spells.
  • Weeding: Keep the area weed-free so your strawberries don’t have to compete for water and nutrients.
  • Blossom Removal: If you’re growing June-bearing varieties, pinch off the flowers during the first year. This encourages stronger root development and better yields next season.
  • Fertilizing: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer about 4–6 weeks after planting to promote healthy growth.

Step 4: Prepare for Winter

Strawberries are hardy, but they still need protection when the temperatures drop:

  • Mulch: Apply a thick layer of straw or similar mulch around the plants in late fall. This insulates the crowns and helps prevent winter damage.
  • Snow Cover: In areas like the Maritimes, snow can offer additional insulation—but mulch is still essential to guard against freeze-thaw cycles.

Step 5: Ongoing Strawberry Plant Care

Keep your plants healthy and productive with consistent care:

  • Watering: Continue regular watering, especially while fruit is developing.
  • Fertilizing: Feed your strawberries in early spring and again after harvesting. Follow the product’s instructions for best results.
  • Weed and Pest Control: Stay vigilant for weeds, pests, and diseases. Remove weeds promptly and use organic or chemical treatments as needed.
  • Plant Renewal: Strawberry plants tend to decline after 3–4 years. Plan to replace older plants to maintain high yields.

Best Strawberry Varieties for Atlantic Canada

Not all strawberries are created equal, especially when it comes to colder climates. These varieties are known to do well in Nova Scotia:

  • ‘Northeaster’ – Cold-hardy and early ripening.
  • ‘Sable’ – Excellent flavor and disease resistance.
  • ‘Primetime’ – A reliable producer for home gardens.

Growing your own strawberries takes a little planning, but the payoff is sweet—literally. With the right care and a bit of patience, you’ll be enjoying homegrown berries straight from the garden in no time.

Conclusion

Integrating a new pet into your household isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely rewarding. With time, patience, and plenty of positive reinforcement, your furry family members can learn to live together peacefully—and maybe even become best pals.
For more information on introducing a new cat to your home, check out our blog Preparing for Your New Kitten!

Hand Feeding Birds Safely

If you spend enough time feeding backyard birds, chances are you’ll have close encounters with your backyard feathered friends. Maybe a hummingbird buzzes by as you hang up the feeder, or a curious chickadee flutters nearby while you fill the seed tray. With the right approach, it’s possible to hand feed birds. Before you try, it’s important to think about safety—for both you and the birds.

Safety First: When Hand Feeding Is (and Isn’t) a Good Idea
Before offering a snack from your palm, consider whether encouraging birds to get that close to people is truly safe in your environment. On private property with little foot traffic, building trust with wild birds may not pose much risk. But in busier areas, teaching birds to approach humans could put them in danger.
Some people are afraid of birds, and an unexpected visit from a feathered friend might lead to panic—potentially harming the bird. In public spaces like parks and beaches, feeding birds is often discouraged or even prohibited. Not only can larger birds like geese become overly aggressive once they lose their fear of people, but close encounters can sometimes result in injuries.
Before trying to feed birds by hand, check local regulations and think through the possible outcomes. ALWAYS wash your hands before and after contact with birds, feeders, or nests. Even trace amounts of sunscreen, lotion, or bug spray can harm their delicate feathers, and while rare, diseases can be passed between birds and humans.

Earning the Trust of Seed-Eating Birds
In areas where hand feeding is safe and allowed, it can be a truly rewarding experience. Songbirds like chickadees and nuthatches are often the most willing to approach humans.
Start by sitting quietly near a feeder while holding a small tray of seeds. Patience is key—spend several sessions just being a calm, non-threatening presence. As the birds grow more comfortable, you can gradually move closer to the feeder. Eventually, try standing with seeds in your open hand. If you’ve built enough trust, a brave little bird may land for a snack.

Feeding Hummingbirds from the Hand
Hummingbirds, with their lightning-fast movements and fearless curiosity, are often comfortable coming close. You can hold a small, handheld nectar feeder available at your local Feeds’n Needs and simply wait—many hummingbirds will zip over once they realize it’s safe. Don’t force interaction. These tiny birds are fragile, and even a gentle mistake could cause harm.

The experience of having a wild bird take food from your hand is both humbling and unforgettable. But it should always be approached with care. If there’s any doubt about the safety of hand feeding—for either the birds or the people around you—it’s best to enjoy their beauty from a respectful distance. A well-placed feeder and a quiet window view can offer just as much joy.

Sources:
Hand Feeding Birds: How to Do It Safely – Birds and Blooms

Attracting Downy Woodpeckers

March’s Bird of the Month is the Downy Woodpecker! With their colourful feathers and lively personalities, woodpeckers make a captivating addition to any backyard. Their distinctive habit of foraging vertically on tree trunks provides endless entertainment, while their diet of insects like beetles, grubs, and ants makes them valuable natural pest controllers for garden enthusiasts. You’ll know you have Downy Woodpeckers nearby when you hear their signature “drumming” as they tap on trees or other structures. Since Downy Woodpeckers are year-round residents, they are a welcome presence in all seasons. But how can we create a backyard that’s inviting to these fascinating birds?

Offer a Variety of Food:
Downy Woodpeckers enjoy a diverse diet, foraging for insects, nuts, and berries in the wild. In your yard, they’ll appreciate offerings like suet, peanut butter, peanuts, and black oil sunflower seeds. These birds are often quite cautious, so placing feeders and water sources in quieter corners of your yard, especially near mature trees, will help them feel at ease.

Make sure any suet you provide stays fresh. You can break it into smaller pieces or use suet cakes packed with sunflower seeds, which they will devour quickly.

Provide Clean, Fresh Water:
While Downy Woodpeckers do enjoy visiting birdbaths, they are somewhat shy about using them. Placing them in more secluded spots is ideal. A ground bird bath with a dripper or moving water feature will catch their attention, make sure the water depth is shallow—around 1-2 inches is perfect.  Adding perches nearby will make them accustomed to the bath over time. Always keep the bath clean to avoid the spread of disease. In winter, it’s essential to offer heated bird baths so the birds have access to fresh water even in freezing temperatures.

Create Safe, Secure Sheltering and Nesting Areas:
Downy Woodpeckers thrive in small, wooded spaces surrounded by mature trees, with the added benefit of shrubs, especially those with berries. They nest in tree cavities but will also appreciate a well-positioned birdhouse with an entrance hole suited to their size, mounted 10-20 feet above the ground.

Attracting Too Many Woodpeckers
While it’s a joy to host woodpeckers in your yard, sometimes, these birds can cause problems. If they begin pecking at wooden siding, eaves, fences, or even chimneys and downspouts, the damage can be significant. To prevent this, repair any damage and cover the area with wire mesh or netting to deter further pecking. Hanging reflective items near the problem area can also help prevent woodpeckers from targeting inappropriate surfaces.

By providing these woodpecker-friendly resources, you can enjoy the company of these energetic and charming birds while keeping them safe and content in your backyard.

Sources:
Attract Downy Woodpeckers to Your Backyard – Songbird Station
Different Woodpecker Species and How to Attract Them