Strategies for Preventing Damage to Soft Fruits by Wildlife, Pests, and Birds - 3 Validated Methods to Secure Your Produce, Alongside Substances to Steer Clear Of
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In the world of gardening, protecting soft fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and grapes can be a challenge, as they are often targeted by birds, wildlife, and insects. However, there are several methods available that combine physical barriers, cultural practices, and biological controls to create an integrated pest management system.
One of the most effective ways to protect soft fruits is by using wildlife-safe netting. Kiera Faulkner Jekos, a kitchen garden designer and educator based in New York's Hudson Valley, recommends using mesh netting with holes no larger than 5mm by 5mm. This type of netting can keep birds and small mammals away without causing harm, allowing fruits to develop undisturbed.
Another low-effort, affordable, and chemical-free method is the use of organza mesh bags. These bags can be repurposed from gift bags and work well for strawberries, grapes, and similar soft fruits. By placing these bags over individual fruits or clusters, you can protect your crops from birds, slugs, snails, and insect pests.
For larger-scale or ground-level protection, chicken wire structures can be used. These cloches or cages can prevent access by squirrels, rats, and other larger pests.
When it comes to biological controls, sticky traps can catch flying pests, while spraying biologicals like Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt) targets caterpillar larvae safely. Bt must be applied soon after egg hatch and repeated regularly for efficacy.
Cultural controls, such as regularly removing fallen fruit to reduce breeding sites for pests, are also important. Planting insectary flowers and using cover crops can encourage natural predators like ground beetles, aiding biological control.
Mechanical controls, such as high-pressure water sprays, hand removal of pests like aphids, and reflective mulches (mainly for aphid control), can also reduce insect populations without chemicals.
David Mizejewski, a naturalist and television host with the National Wildlife Federation, advises that any physical barrier should have no gaps, as small birds can become trapped inside. He also suggests planting native berry bushes, fruit trees, or sunflowers to offer an alternative food source for wildlife and draw their attention away from soft fruits.
Hanging shiny objects like old CDs, aluminum pie plates, or reflective scare tape in and around plants can startle and deter birds and animals. Scarecrows and plastic owls can be used as visual deterrents as well.
Motion-activated sprinklers are effective deterrents for a wide range of animals, including deer, raccoons, squirrels, groundhogs, and larger birds. The Abco Tech sprinkler from Amazon is one option for motion-activated sprinklers.
Companion plants like garlic, onions, chives, rosemary, and lavender can confuse or repulse pests with their scent, creating an olfactory camouflage. Marigolds and chrysanthemums emit chemicals that repel certain pests and animals.
Amy Enfield, with 30 years of experience in the lawn and garden industry and employed by ScottsMiracle-Gro, has a BS and MS in Horticulture from Michigan State University and a PhD in Plant and Environmental Sciences from Clemson University. She suggests bagging individual clusters or fruits of larger fruits like grapes, peaches, and plums as a tedious but effective technique for protection.
Together, these methods create an integrated pest management system that reduces reliance on chemicals, protects the fruit, and supports ecosystem health. The choice of method may depend on the scale of cultivation, type of pest pressure, and preference for organic or chemical-free approaches.
For those interested in exploring more options, the National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder can be used to find native species appropriate for a specific zip code. This resource can help create a garden that not only protects your soft fruits but also supports local wildlife.
- Incorporating organza mesh bags into your gardening practices, as suggested by Kiera Faulkner Jekos, can provide low-effort protection for soft fruits like strawberries and grapes, shielding them from pests such as birds, slugs, snails, and insects.
- To encourage a wholesome home-and-garden lifestyle that cherishes both soft fruits and local wildlife, consider using native plant species found through the National Wildlife Federation's Native Plant Finder, aiming to create a balanced environment that supports both your produce and the ecosystem.
