Crafty Birds Eating Tomatoes

[SBP]

Ideas?

I have no cat. Tomato plants are caged.

I'd rather not have DH sit outside with a BB-gun (he would want to) -- neighbors can easily see into the backyard.

Would nylon netting around the cage be enough of a deterrent?

Thanks in advance!

Sharon

[Joe America]

SBP

The nylon netting will work. But you need to make sure it forms a barrier that stands away from the plants themselves. Make it like a tent, and it should work just fine. You might find a bird tangled in it at some point so don't be surprised when you do.
I use it all the time. sometimes I cover the whole garden with the stuff.

[goatlady]

The birds are THIRSTY!! Set out some pans of water for them - it will help your tomatos.

[packyderms_wife]

Thank you Goatlady I was going to say the same thing! Water your birds and they will leave the tomatoes alone!

Kimberly

[SBP]

Good to hear netting works, Joe.

Dogs ate the tomatoes (and carrots, jalapenos, etc. ...) last year, so this year I'm using raised beds, and fenced off the garden. Now the birds are beating me to the produce.

LOL!...I have a pool/hot tub 25ft away from the garden area -- Lazy birds.

I'll also stick a bucket of water over by the tomatoes, too. :-D

I appreciate the feedback, everyone!

[goatlady]

Come on!! would YOU drink chemically treated water from a hot tub? Didn't think so. LOL. Birds aren't dumb at all, just extremely survival oriented! I have a brace? of crows here this year and every morning I see at least half a dozen around the goat's automatic waterer getting their moring drink. Doesn't seem to have bothered the goats yet despite how pickey THEY are.