How To Use Bird Netting Over Your Garden: A Comprehensive Guide

Gardening, a source of beauty and joy, offers a fulfilling connection with nature. However, the harmonious bond between gardeners and their plants often faces a persistent challenge – birds. 

These feathered visitors, though charming, can bring about frustration by damaging cherished plants and gardens.

Fear not, for a practical remedy exists: Bird Netting. 

Let's embark on a journey to explore this solution and restore tranquility to your garden haven.

How to Choose the Right Bird Netting for Your Garden?

Picking suitable bird netting is like finding the perfect recipe for your garden's success. 

First things first, let's talk about features. Mesh size – yes, that's the size of those little openings in the netting. You want it just right – not too big that sneaky birds can sneak in, but not too small that it messes with your garden's airflow.

Material durability – You're aiming for netting that can withstand the elements and those pecking beaks without giving up.

And speaking of pecking beaks, let's consider the types of birds in your neighborhood. Are they the curious kind, or more of the "I'll nibble on everything" type? That's crucial info to know when picking your netting.

Ease of installation matters, too. You want your installation to be as easy as 1-2-3, considering choosing a tangle-free netting. Its specific material and construction method stay intact while laying it out in the open ground and then putting the net up, saving you time and avoiding getting annoyed.

 

When is the Best Time to Install Bird Netting? 

Timing is Everything. So, when's the best time to make your garden a bird-free zone?

The Prime Season: Spring and early summer are like the opening act for many bird species. They're on the lookout for a cozy spot to nest and a buffet of freshly grown greens. That's your cue! Install your bird netting over garden beds before their guest list fills up.

Right Before Harvest: Your plants are on the verge of becoming delicious fruits and veggies. But so are they on the radar of those winged nibblers. The solution? Install your vegetable garden netting just before the harvest season kicks in. It's like throwing up a "no-entry" sign for birds eyeing your produce.

When You Spot Suspicious Activity: Birds scouting around your garden. That's your cue to get proactive. Install your netting as soon as you notice these early signs of bird interest.

A Little Extra Tip: 

Keep an eye on the weather forecast. Installing netting on a calm day ensures it stays put and doesn't turn into an unintentional bird kite.

Remember, timing is your secret weapon in the battle against garden-invading birds. You're giving your plants the protection they deserve by being one step ahead of their game. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Bird Netting for Your Garden

Let's break it down into easy-to-follow steps that even a novice gardener can ace.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Bird netting, sturdy support, twine or clips, and a trusty pair of scissors. Having these tools at hand sets you up for a smooth journey ahead.

Step 2: Measure and Prepare

Measuring the area accurately is like laying down the foundation for a solid garden fortress. The difference between "fits like a glove" and "oops, that's a bit too tight." And before you dive in, clear the stage – get rid of any debris or unwanted guests that might crash the installation.

 

Step 3: Install the Support Structure

You've got options here – posts, stakes, or frames – your garden, your call! Remember, whatever you pick, it has to be as strong. Your bird netting's only as good as the structure holding it up, so make sure it's sturdy.

Step 4: Unroll and Attach the Netting

Gently lay the netting over your garden space and secure the net to your support structure. 

Step 5: Make Necessary Adjustments

Take a good look at your setup. See any loose ends? Trim off excess netting, and remember to check for gaps or anything that might let those sneaky birds in.

How Long Does Bird Netting Last to Shield Your Garden?

It's the Durability: Bird netting is your garden's armor, shielding it from threats – including birds with a taste for your greens. With proper care and a little love, bird netting can last you a good few years. We're talking around 3 to 5 years on average.

Facing the Elements: Netting's out there, in the open, battling rain, sun, wind – you name it. That takes a toll. Get high-quality netting for raised beds designed to withstand the elements and hold its own longer. Check the packaging or product details to know what you're dealing with.

Regular Check-ins: Just like you'd visit the doctor for a check-up, your netting might need a little inspection, too. Give it a once-over now and then. Are there any tears? Is it still securely fastened to the support? A stitch in time – or a patch – can save nine!

Avoiding Wear and Tear: Be gentle with your netting during installation and removal. A rough handling can cause premature wear and tear. And remember, birds aren't the only things that can get tangled – so can your netting if you're not careful.

The lifespan of your bird netting garden beds depends on its quality, care, and the challenges it faces. Treat it right. It'll keep your garden a haven for years.

Other Tools and Methods to Keep Birds out of Your Garden

There are more ways to ward off unwanted garden guests. Let's dive into some other tools and methods that are up for the task.

1. Scare Tactics: These classic guardians have kept birds at bay for ages. Go creative – make your own or grab a store-bought one. Remember to move it around occasionally – even birds catch onto the decoy routine.

2. Repellents: Birds have sensitive senses, and certain scents can send them fluttering in the opposite direction. Hang reflective objects like CDs or aluminum foil strips that catch the light and create flashes. Birds hate surprises, you see.

3. Garden Decoys: Owls, snakes, and even fake predators can make your garden less inviting to pests. Place them strategically to keep birds and small critters guessing if it's safe to drop by.

4. Protective Row Covers: Row covers provide a physical barrier against pests. They let in light and water while keeping the unwanted munchers out.

5. Natural Predators: Bring in the reinforcements! Ladybugs, lacewings, and friendly birds like bluebirds can be your garden's allies. They'll happily snack on the pests that dare to show up.

6. Companion Planting: Certain plants are like the bodyguards of the garden world. Marigolds, for instance, release a scent that pests can't stand. Plant them strategically among your veggies for a double-duty garden.

7. DIY Sprays: Whip your garden-friendly sprays using ingredients like garlic, chili peppers, and soap. It's like whipping up a potion against pests without the cauldron.

8. Automated Repellers: Technology's got your back too! Invest in motion-activated sprinklers or sound-emitting devices that startle pests away.

Remember, diversity is your friend. Combining these methods might be the unbeatable defense your garden needs. 

Final Word

Bird netting over your garden isn't just a shield. It's a promise of protection. Following all the steps above is an easy way to ensure that your garden is protected from birds. 

Rest assured that your plants will be safe from all kinds of pests, and you'll no longer have to worry about the danger of hungry birds.

Ready to begin? Check our “tangle-free” bird netting product to find the perfect fit for your yard! We have a variety of mesh sizes in stock so that you can get started immediately.

The power is in your hands, the rewards are abundant, and the serenity is yours to enjoy.

Happy gardening!