I'm new to gardening and trying to figure out if the birds in my backyard are good or bad for my plants. I've heard mixed things—some folks talk about using bird repellent, while others love putting up feeders to attract them. We have a lot of birds around, and I want my plants to thrive! What's the consensus on how birds affect gardens?
5 Answers
Some birds can wreak havoc on certain crops (like pigeons with brassicas), but generally, they do a lot of good by eating pests such as slugs. Plus, having birds around just enhances the joy of gardening. I always feel uplifted when I see a robin nearby while I'm working in my garden!
Many birds might peck at your fruits and veggies mainly because they're thirsty. That's why a lot of gardeners put out water for them right next to the plants. Just having a little extra hydration can make a difference!
I have a love/hate thing with blackbirds lately. On one side, they eat grubs and slugs, which is awesome, but they can also damage my little seedlings! I need to protect my young plants until they're strong enough to withstand their digging.
From my experience, the only times birds became a pain were when they targeted fruits like blueberries or peaches in my yard. I started using nets to protect those fruits. However, birds like blue jays actually help with my tomatoes by snacking on those pesky hornworms. So, they can be pretty welcome visitors overall!
It really depends on the type of bird you're dealing with. For example, if you install a purple martin house, those birds can help by munching on insects that might be harming your plants. Blue Jays are also beneficial, so try to invite them into your garden. Just remember to keep a small bird bath nearby; it gives them a drink and may keep them from pecking at your fruits and veggies too much!
Absolutely on the bird bath! If they still become bothersome, consider covering your plants with some netting to protect them.