Birds are eating my strawberries. What systems do you use so that they don't?

[wild]

Hey folks,

Had my eye on a massive, juicy looking strawberry. Was just waiting for it to ripen. Went out early this morning to go and get it... And of course I find it's gone. Birds are eating my strawberries. How do you guys protect yours from them being eaten? Netting...? Can I see your set ups?

xx

[craftymarie]

I'd be gutted at that. Mine are hanging up in the polytunnel so not yet had any losses. I am planning to put some outside when (if???) the weather warms up so be interested to hear how people protect outdoor ones.

[WendyC]

I have plumbers pipe crossing over with netting over the top.

[Bigmallly]

Strawberry cages for me.

[roitelet]

I do the same. You need to keep the net above the strawberries and weight down the edged or the birds will get under the net or they will sit on the net and eat the strawberries through the net.

[wild]

Right, I'll see what I can scrape together tomorrow!

Thanks all x

[greenishfing]

I used to net mine with chicken wire but it was a pain then to pick them, I get more damage from slugs than birds so usually let the birds have a few. Same with cherries. However I do have 50+ strawberry plants so there is enough for us both.

[Bal]

I've got mine in hanging baskets (about 10) but they are on the floor. Last year they were against the house so had no problem. This year they are round the patio, so will have to construct something. No idea what yet, will have to get my thinking cap on

[Bigmallly]

I've got mine in hanging baskets (about 10) but they are on the floor. Last year they were against the house so had no problem. This year they are round the patio, so will have to construct something. No idea what yet, will have to get my thinking cap on

Are they on wall hangers or on the floor?

[Mr Bones]

We've got 60 plants and don't like to let the birds have any (well I do feed them at home so they can't really complain), any way, two foot sticks or canes poked into the earth topped with ballpool balls and then net over the top works well.

[Bal]

Are they on wall hangers or on the floor?

They're on the floor, hope the bl**dy slugs don't get them. They were on gravel by the house last year, but I need that spot for the extra toms I've got.