How to Heat Bird Seed so it Doesn't Sprout in Your Yard
The Microwave Method
This is obviously the fastest way to stop seeds from germinating. All you need to do is, spread a pound of bird seed out on a microwave-safe platter. Place the platter in the microwave oven. Set the heat setting for "High." Set the timer for two minutes and start the microwave. After the bird seed has been thoroughly heated, remove it from the microwave and allow it to cool for several minutes. Then, use it as normal in your bird feeders.
The Oven Method
Heat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the bird seed out on a baking sheet. You can use as much seed as will make a layer on the sheet. Place it in the oven for thirty minutes. Then, carefully remove the baking sheet so the bird seed doesn't spill. Let it cool down before you fill your bird feeders with it.
Note: Sterilizing the bird seed by heating it in a microwave oven, or in a stovetop oven, doesn't change the nutrition it contains, according to Birdsforever.com. So you don't have to worry about your feathered friends missing out on valuable nourishment. All you won't have, once it's sterilized, is weeds growing in your yard under the bird feeder.
Resources
http://www.gardenguides.com/95080-stop-bird-seed-germinating.html
http://www.birdsforever.com/problems.html
Published by Kassidy Emmerson
Kassidy Emmerson has studied Journalism, Creative and Non-Fiction Writing and Computer Programming. She has worked as a professional freelance writer for over a decade. Emmerson has 6,000+ articles published... View profile
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10 Comments
Post a CommentI wouldn't have even thought of something like this! Good idea for an article, and good advice.
I can use this info. We had lots of weeds from bird seed last year.
wow! Who woulda thunk it?! What a great idea to put them in the microwave! I would have never even thought of bird seed sprouting... of course it does.. but I never thought of it...lol... This is a fantastic article.
Very interesting article! I love to feed the birds.
Wow, I didn't know about this. Thanks for the heads up.
These are useful tips. I hadn't thought of microwaving the seeds!
Sophie
Cool. Mom has just started feeding the birds and this was a fear of mine. Thanks for the info.
Fantastic. I didn't know you could do this.
Good advice. I love to put seed out for the birds, but even the treated seed and corn cobs that you can buy germinates in the ground.
I love to watch the wild birds outside! Great ideas!