How can I protect my strawberries?

Question

They're in the ground right now and I'm afraid the fruit will just get decimated by slugs & birds. Any ideas? thanks.

Answer 1

Stakes with netting or chicken wire will keep the birds away. But, if you have squirrels, they will dig under the wire to get at the fruit.

For slugs, you can get this stuff called Sluggo. It's little pellets of iron phosphate and inert materials that is non-toxic (it occurs naturally in soil) to people or pets, but it really wipes out the snails and slugs.

What's an added bonus about the iron phosphate is that it actually helps keep your plants green. It's one of the ingredients in plant fertilizers for yellowing plants.

Answer 2

as far as the slugs are concerned, pour about a 1/4 inch of beer into a small dish with low sides and leave it in the garden beside the strawberries. The slugs will die a very happy death and will no longer be a nuisance. Dump out the dish once a week and refill.

As far as the birds are concerned, I would get a few pieces of wood and lay them on the ground around the strawberries. Make sure that the log is a big higher ( at least 2") above the top of the strawberry plant. Then get some netting - sold at any nursery - and hammer it over top to make a "roof".

Answer 3

The first thing to do is obtain lots of straw, and lay it thickly around each plant,and a thin layer over the top. The straw will protect from the slugs. The birds cant perch on loose straw.

Answer 4

You can build a frame and put netting across it. Just make sure the plants have enough room. Use a saucer of beer for slugs.

Answer 5

Put low sided containers of beer around the garden.
Slugs will be drawn to the beer and drown.
Cover the plants with cheese cloth.
Air, water and light can still get in.
Birds will not be happy.

Answer 6

Fruit of the loom.

Answer 7

Train ninjas to protect them.