How to Protect Tomatoes with Bird Netting

Tomatoes are a gardener's delight, but they're also a favorite among birds, who can quickly decimate your hard-earned crop. To protect your tomatoes from feathered friends, installing bird netting is an effective and humane solution. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to put bird netting over tomatoes, ensuring your harvest remains safe and bountiful.

Before we dive into the installation process, let's understand why bird netting is crucial. Birds, especially starlings and blackbirds, are attracted to the bright colors and ripening smell of tomatoes. They can cause significant damage, pecking holes in the fruit and spreading diseases. Bird netting creates a physical barrier, preventing birds from accessing your tomatoes while still allowing sunlight, water, and air to reach your plants.

Choosing the Right Bird Netting

Selecting the appropriate bird netting is vital for its effectiveness and longevity. Here are two key factors to consider:

Mesh Size: The mesh size should be small enough to keep out birds but large enough to allow light, water, and air to pass through. For tomatoes, a mesh size of 19mm or 25mm is typically sufficient to deter birds while providing adequate ventilation.

Material: Bird netting is usually made from polyethylene or polypropylene. Both materials are durable and weather-resistant, but polyethylene is often more flexible and easier to install. Ensure the netting is UV-stabilized to prevent degradation from sunlight.

Measuring and Cutting the Netting

Before installing the netting, measure the area you need to cover, including the height of your tomato plants. Most bird netting comes in rolls, so you'll need to cut it to size. Use sharp scissors or a utility knife to cut the netting, ensuring the edges are clean and even.

If your tomato plants are grown in cages or supports, measure the netting to fit around these structures. You'll want the netting to be slightly larger than the cage to allow for growth and easy access for you to tend to your plants.

Installing Bird Netting Over Tomatoes

Now that you have your netting, it's time to install it. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Secure the Bottom: Start by securing the bottom of the netting to the ground. You can use stakes, U-shaped pins, or heavy-duty staples to anchor it in place. Ensure the netting is taut and flat against the ground to prevent birds from getting underneath.

Step 2: Attach to Supports: If your tomato plants are in cages or supported by stakes, attach the netting to these structures using twist ties, cable ties, or garden ties. Make sure the netting is secure and won't slip down or blow away in windy conditions.

Securing the Top of the Netting

Once the bottom and sides are secure, you'll need to fasten the top of the netting. If your tomato plants are tall, you might need to use additional supports, such as hoops or poles, to keep the netting off the plants and allow for growth.

To secure the top, you can use the same methods as the bottom and sides. Ensure the netting is taut but not so tight that it damages the plants. As your tomato plants grow, you may need to adjust the netting to accommodate their height.

Creating an Overhang

To further deter birds, create an overhang with the netting. This involves folding the top of the netting over and securing it to the ground on the outside of the cage or support. The overhang should be at least 12 inches wide to prevent birds from perching on the edge of the netting and pecking through.

You can also weigh down the overhang with rocks or sandbags to make it even more difficult for birds to access. This added layer of protection can significantly reduce the likelihood of birds damaging your tomatoes.

Maintaining and Monitoring Your Bird Netting

Once your bird netting is installed, it's essential to monitor and maintain it throughout the growing season. Here are some tips:

Check for Damage: Regularly inspect the netting for any tears, holes, or signs of wear. Birds and other animals can cause damage, and even small holes can allow birds to access your tomatoes. Repair any damage promptly to maintain the netting's effectiveness.

Keep it Taut: As your tomato plants grow, the netting may become loose. Tighten it as needed to ensure it remains secure and provides an effective barrier against birds.

Clean the Netting: Over time, bird netting can become dirty and covered in debris. Clean it periodically to maintain its effectiveness and prevent the buildup of diseases. Use a mild soap and water solution, and avoid using harsh chemicals that could harm your plants.

Adjusting for Plant Growth

As your tomato plants grow, you may need to adjust the netting to accommodate their size. If the netting is too tight, it can restrict the plants' growth and cause damage. Conversely, if it's too loose, it may not provide an effective barrier against birds.

To adjust the netting, loosen the ties and gently pull the netting away from the plants. Re-secure it with the ties, ensuring it's taut but not too tight. You may need to do this several times throughout the growing season as your plants continue to grow.

Removing the Netting

Once the tomato season is over, remove the bird netting from your plants. If you plan to use it again the following year, store it in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and pests. Before reinstalling it, inspect the netting for any damage or wear and repair as needed.

Incorporating bird netting into your tomato gardening routine can significantly improve your harvest by protecting your hard-earned tomatoes from birds. By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful and bird-free tomato crop. Happy gardening!