I've been having an issue with birds eating my cherry tomatoes! I don't mind if they nibble on a few, but they've started pecking at all the ripe and nearly ripe ones. I'd really prefer not to pick them early because I love letting them ripen on the vine. What are some effective ways to protect my tomatoes and deter these birds?
6 Answers
You could pick your tomatoes a little early without much regret. Once they hit the breaker stage, they’re pretty much good to go. I’ve done this and they end up tasting just fine after they ripen indoors.
You know, I’ve had good luck with using cayenne pepper on my plants! It doesn’t seem to bother the birds but keeps them away. Just sprinkle it around, and it might help with both birds and squirrels!
Try hanging some inexpensive decorations like plastic red balls or ornaments from the branches. Birds often mistake them for ripe tomatoes! Just do it before your real tomatoes start ripening. That should help deter them too!
The simplest solution might just be to get bird netting. You can cover the tomatoes with it so that the birds can’t get to them, and it’s pretty easy to set up.
If you have marigolds around, they can help attract other bugs so the birds focus on them instead of your tomatoes. Also, putting some shiny objects like aluminum pie tins nearby can scare them off. Just poke holes in the tins and hang them up!
Good to know! I have marigolds planted but they’re still blooming.
It might be that the birds are just looking for water, especially if it’s been dry where you are. Consider putting out a bird bath to give them a better drinking option. Just make sure to change the water frequently!
Yeah, this method worked for me! Just keep the water fresh.
Thanks for the tip! I might give that a try.
Interesting! I’ve heard mixed things about that. Do the birds really stay away?