When should I put out a hummingbird feeder and what sugar-to-water ratio should I use?

Put the feeder out before you think you need to — early spring before flowers bloom, usually late March or early April. Use 1 part white sugar to 4 parts water (one cup sugar, four cups water). Boil, cool, fill. No red dye, no honey, no artificial sweeteners. A clean 1:4 feeder out early is the single best thing you can do.