If I were picking them for human consumption I would leave them another few days because they are still not 100% ripe, but the Blackbirds are obviously not so fussy. [I hope they get the bellyache!]
So, there was obviously a need for urgent action. The first thing I did was move the pot of Blueberries with the nearly-ripe berries on it into the garage whilst I made a plan...
I realised that I'd have to either erect a net or lose the whole crop. Once the Blackbirds have identified their target only physical barriers will deter them! Fortunately I found that there were some masonry nails in the wall, left over from years ago when at one time I had some Clematis plants growing up the wall. I attached a net to these and brought it down at an angle so that it stood away from the plants.
I weighted-down the edge of the net with my potted Chives. It's not brilliant, but it's the best I could do in a hurry. Next year I must think about this earlier.
So now this is the Blackbirds-eye view of the berries:
Let's hope it works!
Good luck. I hope it keeps those pesky birds away.
ReplyDeleteMark_ How old are your blueberry bushes? Also how long did it take (years) before you had actual fruit on the bush?
ReplyDeleteLisa
I think you did a great job and your blueberries look wonderful. I did not get any this year but my plants are looking good so hoping for some pink and blue ones next year.
ReplyDeleteGood luck keeping the birds out. I have been picking blueberries every morning for weeks. It is great to go out into the garden to collect breakfast.
ReplyDeleteI like blackbirds. Even if they did eat all the cherries off my tree. My bluberries are ripeing slowly. I am just picking the odd one as i check the garden at the moment.
ReplyDeleteLovely colour on those blueberries! Your net should do the trick nicely.
ReplyDeleteAll my strawberries got picked off last year by blackbirds and pigeons - didn't make that same mistake twice... the strawberry plants were in pots this year so brought them inside the greenhouse whilst the berries ripened.
OOOh, so lucky! Enjoy them. I have bought my first blueberry plants just this week so this is some sort of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Amazing Blueberry plants Mark.
ReplyDeleteI've only got twigs and buds at the moment, but I'm hopefully to see fruit later on. I'd be thrilled to see even a few berries never mind your stash!
Poor blackbirds...and here's me thinking you were a nice chap! Obviously don't mess with your berries is the key!
Have a great weekend...that sun looks like it's finally arrived. Enjoy! ;D
The problem with our blueberries is that they ripen in dribs and drabs. I pick them once they have a bluish colouring as I have found they ripen quickly after picking and unlike most fruit that ripen off the plant still develop a good flavour.
ReplyDelete2 out of my 3 newly purchased plants are flowering and I can't tell you how excited I am - I'm really looking forward to having some blueberries. I'd have pick those and eaten them slightly underripe - i do like sour fruit.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool way to solve your problem. I hope you get good amount of ripe blueberries.
ReplyDeleteQuick thinking! Hope it holds them out! The berries look delicious!
ReplyDeleteMy blueberry plants only lasted a couple of years before the severe winter did for them. I really must get some more as I think they are quite delicious
ReplyDelete