Having a thriving strawberry garden can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also attract unwanted attention from animals looking for a tasty treat. It can be frustrating to put in all the hard work of growing your strawberries, only to have them eaten by birds, rabbits, or other critters. Luckily, there are effective strategies you can use to keep animals off your strawberry plants.
One of the most popular methods for protecting strawberry plants from animals is by using netting. By covering your strawberry plants with netting, you create a physical barrier that prevents birds and other animals from accessing the fruit. The netting should be suspended above the plants on PVC hoops to keep it off the tender fruit, and secured to the ground with logs to prevent animals from crawling underneath.
Another effective technique is to build a wooden frame around your raised bed and suspend the bird netting from it. This not only keeps birds at bay but also helps deter rabbits and other small mammals from feasting on your strawberries. The elevated netting provides a secure barrier while allowing easy access for you to tend to your plants.
In addition to physical barriers, there are natural deterrents you can use to keep animals away from your strawberry plants. For example, planting companion plants with strong scents, such as marigolds or lavender, can help repel pests that are attracted to the strawberries.
Scattering coffee grounds around your strawberry plants can also act as a natural deterrent. The strong scent of coffee helps mask the smell of the strawberries, making them less appealing to animals. Plus, coffee grounds can act as a natural fertilizer, providing additional benefits to your plants.
Consider creating a barrier around your garden using chicken wire or hardware cloth to keep out rabbits and other small animals. Dig the wire into the ground to prevent animals from burrowing underneath, and make sure it extends above ground level to deter animals from climbing over.
Another effective method for protecting your strawberry plants is to use homemade deterrent sprays. Mixing ingredients like garlic, hot peppers, and dish soap with water can create a potent spray that repels animals due to its strong scent and taste. Regularly spraying your plants with this homemade solution can help keep animals away.
It’s important to regularly inspect your strawberry plants for signs of damage caused by animals. If you notice any nibbled leaves or missing fruit, take immediate action to determine the source of the problem and implement the necessary measures to protect your plants.
Remember that it may take some trial and error to find the most effective method for keeping animals off your strawberry plants. Don’t get discouraged if one technique doesn’t work – simply try another approach until you find a solution that works for your garden.
By being proactive and implementing a combination of physical barriers, natural deterrents, and homemade sprays, you can successfully protect your strawberry plants from hungry animals and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious fruit.
