How to Protect Blueberries: A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Bird Netting

Blueberry bushes are a delight to have in your garden, offering a bountiful harvest of juicy, nutritious berries. However, they can also be a tempting target for birds, who are more than happy to help themselves to your hard-earned crop. To protect your blueberry harvest, installing bird netting is an effective and humane solution. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to put bird netting over blueberry bushes.

Before we dive into the installation process, let's briefly discuss why bird netting is the best method for protecting your blueberries. Unlike chemical repellents or scare tactics, bird netting provides a physical barrier that prevents birds from accessing your berries. It's also a humane method, as it doesn't harm or stress the birds, merely discourages them from landing on your bushes.

Choosing the Right Bird Netting

Before you head to the store, it's crucial to choose the right bird netting for your blueberry bushes. Here are two key factors to consider:

1. **Mesh Size**: The mesh size of the netting determines what size of birds it can keep out. For blueberry bushes, you'll want netting with a mesh size of 1/2 inch or smaller. This will keep out most birds, including starlings, sparrows, and even larger birds like crows.

Understanding Mesh Size

The mesh size is typically measured in inches or millimeters, and it refers to the distance between the holes in the netting. A smaller mesh size means smaller holes, which will keep out smaller birds.

2. **Material**: The material of the netting should be durable, UV-resistant, and flexible. UV-resistant netting will last longer outdoors, while flexibility ensures the netting can be easily draped over your bushes without tearing.

Popular Netting Materials

Polyethylene and polyester are popular choices for bird netting due to their durability, flexibility, and UV resistance. Some netting may also be coated with a UV inhibitor for added protection against sunlight.

Installing Bird Netting Over Blueberry Bushes

Now that you've chosen the right bird netting, it's time to install it over your blueberry bushes. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. **Measure Your Bushes**: Before you start, measure the height and width of your blueberry bushes. This will help you determine how much netting you need and how to cut it.

Allow for Growth

When measuring, make sure to account for the growth of your bushes. The netting should be large enough to cover the bushes even when they're fully grown.

2. **Cut the Netting**: Cut the netting to size using a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears. Make sure to leave enough excess netting on all sides to secure it to the ground and to the bush's support structure.

Safety First

When cutting the netting, be careful not to cut yourself on the sharp edges. It's a good idea to wear gloves to protect your hands.

3. **Secure the Netting to the Ground**: Start by securing the bottom of the netting to the ground. You can use garden staples, U-shaped pins, or even rocks to weigh it down. Make sure it's taut and flat to the ground to prevent birds from getting underneath.

Preventing Ingress

To further prevent birds from getting underneath the netting, you can fold the excess netting back onto itself and secure it with garden staples or pins. This creates a double layer of netting at the base, making it even harder for birds to get in.

4. **Secure the Netting to the Bush's Support Structure**: Next, secure the top of the netting to the support structure of your blueberry bushes. This could be a trellis, a fence, or even stakes driven into the ground. Use garden ties or string to secure the netting, making sure it's taut and not sagging.

Regular Inspections

Once the netting is installed, it's a good idea to inspect it regularly. Check for any tears or holes that birds might be able to get through, and repair them as needed.

5. **Remove the Netting When Not in Use**: If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's a good idea to remove the netting when it's not in use. This will prevent it from being damaged by snow, ice, or extreme temperatures.

Storing the Netting

When storing the netting, make sure to fold it neatly and keep it in a dry place. This will help prolong its lifespan and make it easier to install next season.

Caring for Your Blueberry Bushes Under Netting

While bird netting is an effective way to protect your blueberries, it's important to ensure that it doesn't negatively impact the health of your bushes. Here are some tips for caring for your blueberry bushes under netting:

1. **Watering**: Make sure your blueberry bushes are getting enough water, especially during dry spells. The netting won't prevent water from reaching the roots, but it can make it harder for rainwater to penetrate, so you may need to water more frequently.

Watering Techniques

Consider using drip irrigation or watering cans with a long spout to ensure water reaches the roots without disturbing the netting.

2. **Pruning**: Blueberry bushes need regular pruning to maintain their health and productivity. While the netting won't make pruning more difficult, it's important to remember to remove it before pruning and replace it afterwards to maintain protection.

Pruning Tips

Prune your blueberry bushes in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches, as well as any crossing or rubbing branches.

3. **Pest Control**: While bird netting will protect your blueberries from birds, it won't protect them from other pests. Regularly inspect your bushes for signs of pests like aphids, mites, or scale insects, and treat them as needed.

Organic Pest Control

There are many organic methods of pest control available, such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or even homemade remedies like a mixture of dish soap, water, and vegetable oil.

Blueberry bushes are a rewarding addition to any garden, and with the right care and protection, they can provide a bountiful harvest year after year. Installing bird netting is a simple, effective, and humane way to protect your blueberries from birds, ensuring that you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.