Bird netting for fruit and seed protection

Bird netting prevents birds from eating ripening fruits (strawberries, tomatoes, blueberries), newly sown seeds, and young seedlings. Standard bird netting has 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch mesh openings that exclude most garden birds while allowing pollinators to pass through. Drape netting over PVC or wire hoops (same hoop system used for row covers) to keep it elevated above plants. Never lay netting directly on plants, as birds can peck through it and may become entangled. Secure edges with clips, bricks, or by burying them. Fine-mesh bird netting (1/4-inch openings) also excludes butterflies and larger insects, serving double duty as pest netting. Cost: $10-25 for a 7x21-foot piece of standard netting. For permanent fruit plantings, consider building a PVC or conduit frame cage with netting sides that can be opened for harvest access. Remove or secure netting tightly when not in use; loose netting is a hazard to birds, snakes, and small wildlife that can become fatally entangled. Some gardeners prefer reflective tape or holographic scare ribbons as a non-barrier alternative, but these lose effectiveness as birds habituate to them.