How to Net Blueberries

Blueberries begin fruiting in summer, producing a bounty of the sweet blue fruits on each branch. Rabbits, birds and other animal pests are also attracted to the blueberry bushes as the fruits ripen. These pests can quickly decimate your crop before you have a chance to pick it if the bushes are left unprotected. Plastic or nylon bird netting protects the berries in the last few weeks of the berry producing season while still allowing air circulation, sunlight and water to reach the plants.

Stakes
Twine
Bird netting

Instructions

- 1
  Dig a 3 to 4-inch deep trench around the blueberry shrub or bed. Place the trench out 1 foot from the outermost tips of the branches.
- 2
  Install a stake in each corner of the trench, forming a box around the blueberry bush. Use stakes that are at least 1 foot taller than bushes and drive them 6 inches into the ground.
- 3
  Tie a length of twine around the top of one stake. Loop the twine around the remaining stakes, forming a box. Anchor the other end of the twine to the first stake when you come back to it, completing the box.
- 4
  Drape the netting over the top of the stakes. The twine holds up the netting so it sits above the tops of the blueberry bushes preventing birds from accessing the berries through the netting.
- 5
  Push the edges of the netting into the trench, anchoring it into the ground. Fill the trench with the removed soil. Anchoring the netting prevents birds, rabbits and pests from going under the netting.

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