Garden Help
Diagnose plant problems and treat garden pests


Get Gardening Help!

Home > Projects >

How to protect against birds


You will need: Netting, Pop-up Cover, Chicken Wire, CDs

There is nothing more frustrating than losing a crop to birds after all the time and hard work you have invested in it. They seem to know when fruit is ready before anyone else, so it is worth taking precautions against attack.

Best time to do it:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Step 1

Step 1 of How to protect against birds

A roll of netting is vital if you realise a crop is in danger. Simply lay it over the plants and secure it in place with clothes pegs.

Step 2

Step 2 of How to protect against birds

For a single plant or a short row, a pop-up cover is ideal. These fold flat and pack away when not in use.

Step 3

Step 3 of How to protect against birds

For a larger area, it is worth using chicken wire and canes to construct a cage with netting over the top.

Step 4

Step 4 of How to protect against birds

Old CDs are useful to scare birds as the sun catches them and they shine. Birds are always alert to attack as they feed, so anything that disturbs them can be used to protect your plants.

Related FAQs


Ask a gardening question:




Latest Gardening News



Latest Gardening & Horticultural Careers


Explore Gardens from Around the World


Saint Petersburg Botanical Garden
Saint Petersburg, Russia

Desert Botanical Garden
Phoenix, Arizona, USA

Medellin Botanical Garden
Medellin, Columbia

Rikugien Gardens
Tokyo, Japan

Longwood Gardens
Pennsylvania, USA

Missouri Botanical Garden
St. Louis, Missouri, USA



Watch a Video!

How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?
How should I overwinter a potted Canna lily?
How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
How can I get rid of mushrooms growing in my lawn?
How do I treat liverwort?
How do I treat liverwort?
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
How to Grow Perennial Scabius
Why are my apples rotting on the branch?
Why are my apples rotting on the branch?
How do I protect my tulips from squirrels and other pests?
How do I protect my tulips from squirrels and other pests?