Blueberry netting protection - Ask Extension
This year the birds have evolved to learn to break through the netting in the image below. Last Tuesday I found 4 birds inside in AM, then 3 more aft...
Knowledgebase
Blueberry netting protection #877611
Asked July 17, 2024, 12:06 PM EDT
This year the birds have evolved to learn to break through the netting in the image below. Last Tuesday I found 4 birds inside in AM, then 3 more after work then another right before dusk. I have brought in 40 lbs. from 4 bushes, but this year got only a little over 5lbs.
Is there another netting or cloth that can be used? I have tried the 1/4inch plastic netting, but that stuff is very hard to manage.
After pollination can cloth or sheets even be used?
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
There are several types of netting that can be used for blueberries including plastic, nylon, cotton, polyethylene and a lightweight acrylic. It is recommended that the netting be supported by an overhead wire system. See:
WildlifeManagement-Blueberry-1krf715.pdf (bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com)
Included in the above article is a link to a reference that describes how to set up a netting support system.
WildlifeManagement-Blueberry-1krf715.pdf (bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com)
Included in the above article is a link to a reference that describes how to set up a netting support system.
