Use old mugs and teacups in the garden during spring
Katherine McPhillips and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
02:28, 03 Apr 2026
Use old mugs and teacups in the garden during spring to help out some in-need creatures(Image: Janny2 via Getty Images)
Gardeners are being encouraged to rummage through their kitchen cupboards for any neglected mugs or damaged teacups, as these items can prove invaluable in supporting bird health throughout April. At present, birds are occupied with nest construction and rearing their young, yet they may face difficulties sourcing food as vegetation is only just beginning to regenerate following the winter months.
This means that seeds and insects remain relatively scarce in gardens, and many people lack either the time or funds to purchase a dedicated feeder from a pet shop. When birds struggle to locate sustenance during early spring, fewer chicks make it through to summer, leaving gardens more vulnerable to pests such as aphids, slugs, and other insects that harm plants.
Nevertheless, Cass Bailey, founder of Diary of a Frugal Family, has revealed that creating a homemade feeder from old mugs or teacups is a simple way to support local wildlife.
It gives birds a easy food source so they do not have to go far from their nests (Image: Getty)
She explained: “At this time of year, our little feathered friends could do with a bit of help from us (actually they’d be glad of the help year-round but this time of the year especially) so we decided to make our own thrifty homemade bird feeder using a couple of aluminium mugs that we have in the cupboard and some twigs we collected when we were walking the dog.”
Repurposing a mug as a feeder represents the simplest method of assisting birds during spring, as it not only provides them with sustenance, but also ensures they needn’t venture far from their nests while foraging. Attracting local birds to your garden means you are more likely to spot robins, owls, blue tits, blackbirds and sparrows in the vicinity.
Birds that receive support early in the growing season will naturally act as pest control, meaning you won’t need to worry about slugs devouring plant leaves or aphids wreaking havoc on your roses, reports the Express.
How to make a homemade bird feeder from mugs
You will need
A mugA pack of suet fat (185g)A pack of bird food (370g)A few broken sticks or twigs
Suet fat is available in the baking aisle of most supermarkets, typically in beef, vegetarian or vegan varieties. Budget-friendly bird seed mixes can also be found in the pet aisle.
Place mugs on trees, fences or even on a table to help feed birds (Image: Getty)
Method
Start by placing the suet in a pot over a low heat and allowing it to melt completely over five minutes.
Next, put some birdseed in a bowl, pour in the melted suet, and combine thoroughly. Aim for a ratio of one part suet to two parts birdseed.
Transfer the bird food mixture into a mug, packing it down with a spoon until the surface is smooth. Push a few twigs or small sticks into the edges of the mug, giving birds somewhere to perch while feeding.
Refrigerate the mug for a few hours until the bird food has set firmly, after which it is ready to be placed outside.
Fasten some string around the mug’s handle and suspend it somewhere elevated in your garden, such as a tree or fence. Alternatively, the mug can be placed on the ground or a table — simply wedge a large stone inside before adding the bird feed to prevent it from blowing away.
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