How To Keep The Birds Away from My Raspberries and Blueberries?

by Irene
(Indiana)

Hello Susan,
We recently moved to a 5 acre parcel in LaPorte Indiana. This spring I am planting 30 blueberries and 25 raspberry plants with 2 year old roots. Our neighbor has 640 acres of nature preserve with many bird varieties. How do I keep the birds from eating the blueberries? raspberries? What is the most effective method? Thank you for your help. Irene


Answer
Hi Irene

Lucky you to have a nature preserve next door! You will be provided with hours of enjoyment watching the birds. As to keeping the birds away, I think you need to wait and see. The bugs and insects the birds eat, usually more than make up for the few berries they consume. My next door neighbor has a large raspberry patch and birds have never been a problem. She welcomes the birds so that she doesn't have to use chemicals to control the bugs.

Deer however are another story.)
If it does become a problem, netting the plants is an option. The surrounding vineyards use this method in the fall when the grapes are ripening.
Do enjoy the birds!
Susan