Strawberry: bird protection
Quick answer
bird protection for Strawberry: Birds easily spot ripening red strawberries from above, even on balconies, and can decimate a crop in hours just before the fruit is ready to pick.
Start here:
- 1. Create arches using dollar store hula hoops cut in half.
- 2. Cover arches with deer netting rather than standard bird netting (bird netting often traps birds or has holes that are too large).
Why bird protection matters for Strawberry
Birds easily spot ripening red strawberries from above, even on balconies, and can decimate a crop in hours just before the fruit is ready to pick.
Other documented causes on strawberry:
- • Birds are highly attracted to the bright red color of ripe strawberries. Container plants on balconies or patios are often easily accessible targets.
How to handle bird protection on Strawberry
- 1
Create arches using dollar store hula hoops cut in half.
- 2
Cover arches with deer netting rather than standard bird netting (bird netting often traps birds or has holes that are too large).
- 3
Ensure netting is pinned tightly around the container rim so birds cannot walk underneath.
- 4
Alternatively, paint small stones red and place them around the plants before berries ripen to 'train' birds that the red objects are inedible.
Keeping Strawberry on track
Install netting structures before flowers set fruit to ensure no access points remain.