Gardeners urged to leave two fruits in the yard this fall, and it’s not as strange as it sounds
By Cynthia Lawrence
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Gardeners urged to leave two fruits in the yard this fall, and it’s not as strange as it sounds
Cynthia Lawrence
15 September 2025
There’s an important reason
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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
Fall is officially here, and while we can look forward to the warm, earthy tones of autumn, this also marks the end of peak season for birds, as species watch their offspring leave the nest and begin foraging for food before winter arrives.
And if your yard is usually a haven for different bird species, including hummingbirds to feed, you might want to look no further than your fruit bowl. This is because gardeners are being urged to place two common fruits on their lawns and bird feeding stations this fall. What’s more, these tasty treats wouldn’t go amiss in a delicious pudding. So what are they?
Leave out apples and pears
Ripe apples on an apple tree (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Consider leaving out apples and pears as an easy, cost-effective way to support our feathered visitors. Simply slice them up and either scatter them on your lawn or place them on a bird table or feeder.
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And if you have berries growing in your yard, this is even better. “Rowan berries are beloved by many birds,” states Calum Maddock, landscaper and gardening expert at HomeHow. “Depending on the species, you can expect your rowan tree to bear berries from late July through to November. Holly berries are usually ripe by autumn but are mostly enjoyed in late winter by birds such as song thrushes, blackbirds, and redwings.”
Alongside fruit, birds enjoy a variety of seeds, including sunflower seeds. “Birds should be offered a variety of seeds, such as sunflower seeds and millet, as well as a range of different berries,” agrees Maddock. “Suet cakes are also an excellent option for providing high-energy, digestible food. Additional treats such as peanuts, nuts, and nectar are sure to make your garden a hit with passers-by!”
Garden GuruSquirrel-proof Feeder: $28 at Amazon
This cage is designed for small birds to slip in between the bars, while keeping larger birds and squirrels out. The durable metal cage is built with premium coated steel for rust resistance and is waterproof and easy to set up. It measures 8 inches tall, with a 7-inch diameter.
Safeguard birds in your yard
Hummingbird feeding on garden feeder (Image credit: Shutterstock)
More importantly, you’ll want to ensure you safeguard your furry friends from garden predators who want to steal their food. A good tip is to simply sprinkle chilli powder or flakes over the bird food when you’re leaving it out on a table, bowl or feeder.
This won’t harm the birds at all, but will do well to keep squirrels away, leaving all the food to the hungry birds. In fact, chilli powder is a great, non-toxic deterrent for most pests such as ants.
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(Image credit: Shutterstock)
“Creating a bird-friendly environment is simple as long as you ensure that it is sheltered, safe and full of the nutrients and resources that it needs for survival. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as pesticides and adopt a more organic approach to avoid causing any harm to your feathered visitors.”
So if you want a quick and easy way to feed birds this season, give them a fruit feast.
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Cynthia Lawrence
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Content Editor, Homes
As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.
Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.
With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!
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