better solution is to cover the bushes with plastic netting, which will also protect the fruit.
The bigger birds, such as Pigeons, Blackbirds, and Magpies, will not only strip the fruit from branches, but also brake them. They can be thwarted by using plastic netting.
Grey Squirrels or tree rats, have become a serious problem taking Strawberries, Cherries, and even Plums. They will rip plastic netting to shreds. The Government has classified them as Vermin, and you are free to trap them, poison them or shoot them if you have a license. If you are squeamish about this, you could always try electronic squirrel repellers, though you will probably need the type of repellers that have variable frequencies.
Deer. They can cause a lot of damage to vegetation. You will require a 2 m high fence, to stop them jumping over the fence. Alternatively, you could try an electronic repeller with variable frequencies.
Foxes. Although they kill vermin, they can cause damage by digging sets, or burying food for eating later. Try an electronic repeller with variable frequencies.
Rabbits. Erect wire netting, which must be buried at least 30 cm deep, to try to stop them burrowing underneath it.
Greenfly and caterpillars. Caterpillars can become a real nuisance and strip branches of leaves, thus affecting fruiting. You could try picking them off by hand, but in my experience, by the time you notice the problem, it is beyond that. In this situation, it is permissible to resort to a short term pesticide, such as one based on pyrethrum.
BLUEBERRY
These plants require an acid soil. If your ground is not naturally acidic, then you could grow them in a large container filled with ericaceous compost. You can increase the acidity of the soil if necessary by lightly sprinkling ammonium sulphate on the soil. Try to provide a moist and sunny position. There are compact and large varieties of Blueberry. The most widely available and cheap variety seems to be “Bluecrop”, a compact variety. Space the plants about 60 cm apart.”Bluecrop” seems to be self-fertile, but the usual recommendation is to plant two different varieties to improve fertilisation of the fruit.
Pests and diseases. It is essential to net the plants against the birds if you want to harvest any fruit. If you have problems with wasps, immediately pick any fruits that have turned blue and are ripe. If you put the fruit in a sunny window, you can ripen them further until they are really sweet.
BLACKBERRY OR BRAMBLE
While you can pick the wild ones in season from many hedgerows, there are cultivated ones, which are either selections from European types, or are from North America.
The bigger birds, such as Pigeons, Blackbirds, and Magpies, will not only strip the fruit from branches, but also brake them. They can be thwarted by using plastic netting.
Grey Squirrels or tree rats, have become a serious problem taking Strawberries, Cherries, and even Plums. They will rip plastic netting to shreds. The Government has classified them as Vermin, and you are free to trap them, poison them or shoot them if you have a license. If you are squeamish about this, you could always try electronic squirrel repellers, though you will probably need the type of repellers that have variable frequencies.
Deer. They can cause a lot of damage to vegetation. You will require a 2 m high fence, to stop them jumping over the fence. Alternatively, you could try an electronic repeller with variable frequencies.
Foxes. Although they kill vermin, they can cause damage by digging sets, or burying food for eating later. Try an electronic repeller with variable frequencies.
Rabbits. Erect wire netting, which must be buried at least 30 cm deep, to try to stop them burrowing underneath it.
Greenfly and caterpillars. Caterpillars can become a real nuisance and strip branches of leaves, thus affecting fruiting. You could try picking them off by hand, but in my experience, by the time you notice the problem, it is beyond that. In this situation, it is permissible to resort to a short term pesticide, such as one based on pyrethrum.
BLUEBERRY
These plants require an acid soil. If your ground is not naturally acidic, then you could grow them in a large container filled with ericaceous compost. You can increase the acidity of the soil if necessary by lightly sprinkling ammonium sulphate on the soil. Try to provide a moist and sunny position. There are compact and large varieties of Blueberry. The most widely available and cheap variety seems to be “Bluecrop”, a compact variety. Space the plants about 60 cm apart.”Bluecrop” seems to be self-
BLACKBERRY OR BRAMBLE
While you can pick the wild ones in season from many hedgerows, there are cultivated ones, which are either selections from European types, or are from North America.
Aprox. Conversion Chart.
2.5 cm = 1 inch
10 cm = 4 inches
15 cm = 6 inches
20 cm = 8 inches
30 cm = 1 foot
1 m = 3 foot 3 inches
1.5 m = 5 feet
4 m = 13 feet
