Mount Bird Netting Over Cattle Panels

My strawberry garden has started to produce strawberries and the birds have found them. Time to install bird netting. I looked at several options including pvc to make hoops and other options but I settled on using a cattle panel. I've used cattle panels to make an arch trellis for my watermelons and cantaloupes in the past and it has worked well. Video of the process I used to make an arch with the cattle panel and secure bird netting over it is below. It has worked well so far to keep the birds out!

Protect Your Strawberry Harvest with Bird Netting: A Gardener’s Guide

There’s nothing quite like the sweet satisfaction of picking fresh, juicy strawberries straight from your garden. But as any strawberry grower knows, your hard work and patience can easily be undone by one common problem: birds. These feathered friends love strawberries as much as we do, and if left unprotected, they can quickly strip your plants bare. That's where bird netting comes in.

Bird netting is a simple, effective way to keep your strawberry crop safe from hungry birds and other pests. In this blog post, we’ll explain why bird netting is essential for strawberry growers, how to use it properly, and tips for ensuring a successful harvest.

Why Do You Need Bird Netting for Strawberries?

Birds can be a major nuisance for strawberry growers, as they are drawn to the bright red fruit. They will peck at the berries, often taking a bite out of the best ones, and sometimes even damaging the plant itself. Unfortunately, strawberries are particularly vulnerable to this type of damage because the fruit is easy for birds to reach and highly attractive.

Bird netting serves as a barrier between your strawberry plants and the birds, allowing you to:

• Protect your fruit: The primary reason to use bird netting is to prevent birds from feasting on your ripe strawberries. It ensures that the fruit stays intact and available for you to harvest.
• Preserve the plant: Birds can also damage the plants themselves by pulling on the stems or digging around the roots. Netting helps keep the plants safe and healthy.
• Minimize waste: Without protection, you may find that a significant portion of your harvest goes to the birds. Bird netting helps ensure you get the most out of your crop.

How to Use Bird Netting for Strawberries

Using bird netting is relatively simple, but it’s important to follow a few key steps to ensure your strawberries are well-protected.

1. Choose the Right Netting

When selecting bird netting, it's important to choose the right type for your strawberry plants. There are a few factors to keep in mind:

• Mesh size: The mesh should be small enough to keep birds out but large enough to allow sunlight and rain to reach your plants. A mesh size of around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch is ideal for strawberries.
• Material: Look for durable, weather-resistant netting. Most bird netting is made from polyethylene or polypropylene, which are both UV-resistant and can last for multiple growing seasons.
• Stretchiness: Choose netting that is flexible but strong enough to withstand the weight of the birds. It should be able to stretch across your strawberry patch without tearing.

2. Set Up a Frame or Support Structure

To use bird netting effectively, you’ll need to create a structure to keep the netting off the plants. Without a frame, the netting could rest directly on the plants, which could cause damage or prevent proper growth. There are a few ways to create this frame:

• PVC or wooden stakes: Drive several stakes into the ground around your strawberry patch and then drape the netting over them. Make sure the netting is elevated high enough to keep it off the plants (about 2 to 3 feet above the ground).
• Garden hoops: If you’re growing strawberries in rows, you can use garden hoops (also called row covers or low tunnels) to support the netting. These hoops create a gentle arch that allows the netting to hang over the plants without touching them.
• Cages or frames: For smaller strawberry patches, you can use pre-made wire frames or cages. These structures are easy to set up and can be covered with netting to protect individual plants or small sections of your garden.

3. Drape the Netting Over the Frame

Once you have your frame in place, carefully drape the bird netting over it. Ensure that the netting is spread evenly across the frame and that it fully covers the strawberry plants.

• Tuck in the edges: Secure the edges of the netting to the ground by tucking them under the plants or using stakes to hold them in place. This will help prevent birds from sneaking under the netting.
• Leave room for access: Be sure to leave a way to access the plants for harvesting. You can either use a removable section of netting or create an opening with a zipper or clips.

4. Secure the Netting Properly

It’s crucial to secure the bird netting properly to prevent birds from getting trapped or finding their way through any gaps. Use garden clips or zip ties to attach the netting to the frame, and check that all openings are sealed tightly.

• Check for gaps: Regularly inspect your netting for any holes or areas where birds might be able to squeeze through. Even small openings can be enough for birds to access your strawberries.
• Use weights: If necessary, weigh down the edges of the netting with rocks or bricks to prevent wind from blowing it off or loosening it.

5. Harvesting Your Berries

Once your strawberries are ripe and ready to be harvested, simply remove the netting (or open the access point you’ve created) to pick your fruit. Be sure to check the netting periodically for any damage that might need repairs before the next harvest.

Tips for Success with Bird Netting

• Be proactive: Start using bird netting as soon as your strawberries begin to ripen. Birds are quick to spot the bright red berries, and they’ll be more likely to damage your plants if they get to them early.
• Check regularly: Make sure the netting is intact and that no birds are caught in it. Sometimes, smaller birds or insects can get trapped, so it’s important to check the netting frequently.
• Consider other pests: While bird netting will protect your strawberries from birds, it won’t keep out other pests like slugs, insects, or squirrels. Consider using additional methods of pest control as needed.
• Stay safe: Be mindful of the weight of the netting, especially during windy conditions. Ensure that it’s securely fastened to avoid accidents or damage to your garden.

Final Thoughts

Bird netting is an affordable and highly effective solution for protecting your strawberries from birds and other pests. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your berries remain safe and undisturbed, allowing you to enjoy a bountiful harvest come summer. Whether you’re growing strawberries in a small garden or on a larger scale, bird netting is an essential tool for every strawberry grower.