Blueberries are a delicious and rewarding crop, but protecting your bushes from pests and birds is crucial for a bountiful harvest. Netting your blueberry bushes is a simple yet highly effective method to ensure you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor. This guide will walk you through the process, offering tips and tricks for successful netting.
Why Net Your Blueberry Bushes?
Several reasons make netting an essential step in blueberry cultivation:
- Bird Deterrence: Birds are notorious for feasting on ripening blueberries, leaving you with significantly less to harvest. Netting provides a reliable barrier, keeping them away from your precious berries.
- Pest Protection: Insects and other small pests can also damage your blueberry plants, affecting both yield and quality. Netting acts as a physical barrier, reducing pest infestation.
- Maintaining Fruit Quality: By preventing damage from birds and pests, netting helps maintain the quality and appearance of your blueberries, ensuring they remain plump, undamaged, and ready for picking.
Choosing the Right Netting
Selecting the appropriate netting is key to successful protection. Consider these factors:
- Mesh Size: Opt for a mesh size small enough to keep out birds and the most common pests in your area. Too large a mesh, and birds might still find their way in.
- Material: Look for durable, UV-resistant netting that can withstand the elements. Polyethylene netting is a popular and effective choice.
- Netting Size: Measure your blueberry bushes carefully to ensure you purchase enough netting to completely cover them. Allow for extra length for securing the net effectively.
Types of Netting:
- Standard netting: This is the most common and affordable option. It's effective against most birds and insects.
- Anti-bird netting: Specialized netting with smaller mesh size for better bird exclusion.
- Reusable netting: Invest in high-quality reusable netting for long-term cost savings.
How to Net Your Blueberry Bushes: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Timing is Everything: Net your bushes before the berries start to ripen. This prevents birds and pests from getting a head start.
2. Preparation is Key: Clear any weeds or debris around the base of your bushes. This will make netting easier and more effective.
3. Secure the Net: There are several ways to secure the netting:
* **Stakes:** Drive stakes into the ground around the perimeter of the bush and secure the netting to the stakes using clips or twine.
* **Weights:** Use weights or rocks to hold the edges of the netting down.
* **Combination:** A combination of stakes and weights often provides the most secure hold.
4. Complete Coverage: Ensure the netting completely covers the bush, leaving no gaps for birds or pests to exploit. Overlapping the edges slightly helps create a more secure barrier.
5. Check Regularly: Inspect the netting regularly for tears or damage, especially after strong winds or storms. Repair any damage promptly to maintain its effectiveness.
6. Removal: Once the harvest is complete, carefully remove the netting and store it properly for future use.
Tips for Success
- Consider the size and shape of your blueberry bushes when choosing netting.
- Use enough netting to fully enclose the bushes.
- Secure the netting firmly to prevent it from blowing away in the wind.
- Regularly check the netting for any damage or tears.
- Clean the netting before storing it for next season.
By following these steps and choosing the right netting, you can effectively protect your blueberry bushes from pests and birds, ensuring a delicious and abundant harvest each year. Happy blueberry picking!
