I found a GREAT solution to the problem of birds eating my fruits. Do you know what is an irrigation or construction marker flag? It is a stiff wire, about 18" long with a red flag on the end. I put about 8 of these (1/2 dark red, 1/2 light red) around each tomatoe plant. As the tomatoes ripen, the birds don't notice....they just leave it alone. I used to use nets, which were a hassle. BTW, I don't use cages; I let vines run on ground on top of my paper & stepping stone weed block....it works better for me. Send a reply with your e-address and I'll send you a photo.
[img]https://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss274/dtunderwood/plants/redflagsappearasfruit.jpg[/img]
Birds eating tomatoes
Last edited by dtund on Mon Jun 08, 2009 5:55 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- hendi_alex
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 3604
- Joined: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:58 am
- Location: Central Sand Hills South Carolina
I don't usually have a problem with birds pecking my fruit. Don't know why not, as have many, many birds of various species. Your solution to the problem is most ingenious!
Last edited by hendi_alex on Mon Jun 08, 2009 11:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
- Gary350
- Super Green Thumb
- Posts: 7427
- Joined: Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:59 pm
- Location: TN. 50 years of gardening experience.
That is a cool idea. I bet you could hang Christmas tree RED glass balls on the wire cages to fool the birds too.
I don't have a problem with birds. I keep water in the yard I think as long as the birds have water to drink they never bother my tomatoes. I have 25 bird houses and birds are never a problem. Bugs are no problem either.
I don't have a problem with birds. I keep water in the yard I think as long as the birds have water to drink they never bother my tomatoes. I have 25 bird houses and birds are never a problem. Bugs are no problem either.
dtund, I'm sure all of us at THG would like to see photos of your weed-block method which lets the tomatoes grow as the true vines they are.
Please see the webmaster's guide on posting photos here:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724
I'll definitely look at your pix!
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9
Please see the webmaster's guide on posting photos here:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724
I'll definitely look at your pix!
Cynthia H.
Sunset Zone 17, USDA Zone 9