I have got rid of the strawberries at home as my labradors used to eat them. I do net them at the allotment as the birds do like to nibble anything that isn't netted. what makes me confused is to why the birds devour cabbages and cauliflowers but leave chard and lettuce totally alone?
I usually don't net strawberries either at home or on the plot on the basis, I love strawberries and there's enough for all, including the wildlife but having said that do pick on a regular basis.
My theory is if there's lots to eat the birds will keep returning, if you pick regularly then they'll go and eat someone else's crop who doesn't pick as regularly...not very scientific
My Husband made a cage, about 6 feet tall, wooden frame, apex shape, like shed, hinged both sides for picking.covers strawberries, raspberries, have added 2 gooseberries this year,, it doesnt take up a lot of room, It is chicken wire, so sturdy. It has a proper frame secured to the ground, the other day, he found a couple of birds in there, no idea how they got in! Have row of blackcurrents next to them, the birds dont seem to touch them, always have a huge crop. My Daughter who lives in London says pigeons are disgusting, you do not want to know what she has seen them eating! We have wood pigeons here, always seem to be in 3s. Our last 2 houses, we had 3s. Nesting in next doors fir trees.
I just use clematis rigid plastic netting.A minute to put on and a minute to take off.Very strong and does not need fixing
No danger of birds being trapped and plenty of light for ripening.
Also use it to cover seed beds in the spring to stop birds ,cats etc.
Will last for ever and though expensive per metre over the years cheaper than netting and can be used all over he garden.Sweet peas etc.One of the best buys I have made. Twelve years use so far,and even the plastic has not faded.
Thanks Runnybeak. It was a difficult decision but as we dont know how long we wont be able to commit to the plot, it wasnt fair to continue.
Hubby has started to dismantle beds but he did manage to pick a sizeable crop of our first, early strawbs which are now finishing ripening in the conservatory!
I have some climbing french beans, spinach and peas (for pea shoots) in posts in the garden but its not quite the same!
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I have got rid of the strawberries at home as my labradors used to eat them. I do net them at the allotment as the birds do like to nibble anything that isn't netted. what makes me confused is to why the birds devour cabbages and cauliflowers but leave chard and lettuce totally alone?
I usually don't net strawberries either at home or on the plot on the basis, I love strawberries and there's enough for all, including the wildlife but having said that do pick on a regular basis.
My theory is if there's lots to eat the birds will keep returning, if you pick regularly then they'll go and eat someone else's crop who doesn't pick as regularly
...not very scientific
My Husband made a cage, about 6 feet tall, wooden frame, apex shape, like shed, hinged both sides for picking.covers strawberries, raspberries, have added 2 gooseberries this year,, it doesnt take up a lot of room, It is chicken wire, so sturdy. It has a proper frame secured to the ground, the other day, he found a couple of birds in there, no idea how they got in! Have row of blackcurrents next to them, the birds dont seem to touch them, always have a huge crop. My Daughter who lives in London says pigeons are disgusting, you do not want to know what she has seen them eating! We have wood pigeons here, always seem to be in 3s. Our last 2 houses, we had 3s. Nesting in next doors fir trees.
I just use clematis rigid plastic netting.A minute to put on and a minute to take off.Very strong and does not need fixing
No danger of birds being trapped and plenty of light for ripening.
Also use it to cover seed beds in the spring to stop birds ,cats etc.
Will last for ever and though expensive per metre over the years cheaper than netting and can be used all over he garden.Sweet peas etc.One of the best buys I have made. Twelve years use so far,and even the plastic has not faded.
scigib
The sparrows stripped 4 tall chard plants last week
Thanks Runnybeak. It was a difficult decision but as we dont know how long we wont be able to commit to the plot, it wasnt fair to continue.
Hubby has started to dismantle beds but he did manage to pick a sizeable crop of our first, early strawbs which are now finishing ripening in the conservatory!
I have some climbing french beans, spinach and peas (for pea shoots) in posts in the garden but its not quite the same!