Fruit cages and netting

Walk round any allotment site in winter and you'll see rows of netted brassicas. The reason is pigeons. This guide covers what to net, how to put it up without trapping birds, and when a walk-in fruit cage makes sense.

Why net at all?

Pigeons love brassica leaves, and they also go for peas. They're about all year, and they're hardest on brassicas when snow or frost covers everything else.

The RHS is blunt about it: the only certain way to protect plants from pigeons is to grow them under netting. Scarers and repellents give, at best, temporary protection.

What to net

• Brassicas: cabbages, kale, sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower, especially through winter.
• Peas: pigeons eat the plants, so a netting cage may be needed.
• Soft fruit: raspberries and other soft fruit, to keep birds off the crop.

Putting nets up so birds don't get caught

Loose netting can trap and injure birds and other wildlife. The RHS advice is consistent:

• Keep it taut and fasten it securely.
• Hold it clear of the plants on canes or poles.
• Check it regularly for holes.
• Use plastic-free or reused netting where you can.

Fruit cages

For soft fruit, a fruit cage is the fully protected option. A cage is a frame covered in netting that you can walk into, which makes picking and pruning much easier than lifting nets.

Before you build or buy one:

• Ask your site. A walk-in cage is a structure. Some councils need written permission for structures: Bolton's rules cover sheds, greenhouses and polytunnels, for example. Ask whether yours treats a fruit cage the same way.
• Think about pollination. Insect-pollinated crops such as strawberries aren't suited to being covered while they flower. Plan how pollinators will reach anything that flowers inside.
• Mesh size. VERIFY: source a recommended mesh size for fruit-cage netting from the RHS before giving a figure.

Insect mesh is different

Bird netting keeps birds off. It won't stop insects such as carrot fly. For those you need insect-proof mesh, a finer crop cover. The RHS found that a complete covering of mesh is more effective against carrot fly than a barrier. See clubroot, carrot fly and onion white rot.

FAQs

Do I need to net brassicas over winter?

If pigeons are about, yes. Netting is the only certain protection, and pigeons hit brassicas hardest when snow or frost covers other food.

How do I stop birds getting caught in netting?

Keep it taut and fastened, hold it clear of the plants on canes or poles, and check it often for holes.

Will bird netting keep out insects?

No. You need finer insect-proof mesh for insects.

Your next step

Walk round your plot this week and check every net is taut, fastened and free of holes. Then plan which beds need netting next year in the plot planner.