Gardening Magazine

Netting the Blueberries

By Mwillis
Based on previous experience, I know that it is vital to net my Blueberries. If I don't, the Blackbirds with have them - definitely! And I know that Blackbirds are willing (nay, eager) to eat Blueberries well before I would consider them ripe. This being so, I have already rigged up a net to cover my four potted plants:
Netting the Blueberries
It may look "a bit Heath Robinson", but I think it will probably achieve the desired result. I strung a piece of nylon washing-line cord between two trees and draped a net over it, weighing it down at the edges with bricks.
Netting the Blueberries
The Heath Robinson effect is enhanced by the addition of a couple of forked sticks which serve to keep the net out of contact with the plants - because if the berries can be reached through the net, they will be reached.
Netting the Blueberries
My four Blueberry plants are quite big now and they look healthy enough, though I don't think the crop will be huge this year. You'll notice that I have got their pots standing in big saucers which help me to keep the plants properly hydrated. Blueberries are originally bog plants and hate being dry.
Netting the Blueberries
Netting the Blueberries
By the way, if I had enough aluminum rods and connectors, I'd probably build a more "regular" fruit cage for these plants, but I'm saving what I have for protecting the PSB, which is due for transplanting just as soon as the last Broad Beans finish.

Netting the Blueberries

PSB seedlings awaiting transplanting



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