Planting Under Bird Feeders
What can I plant under my bird feeders that will grow? The fallen birdseed seems to stunt the grass.
Sunflowers are allelopathic. They contain a substance that prevents competing plants from growing near by. This is an effective survival mechanism used by black walnuts, buckthorn and some other plants. Try mulching directly under the feeder. This will help reduce weeds, conserve the soil and reduce the need to hand trim the grass around the feeder. Or plant groundcovers and flowers just outside the mulched area. Many of the groundcovers will creep into the mulched area while the taller flowers will mask the view. Now you have a "garden" instead of a dead lawn area.
Related
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes
Register here
Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO
Madison, WI
More information
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants
Register here
Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More
Register here
Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants
Register here
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More


