For gardeners, few things are more satisfying than seeing their vegetable plants begin to yield crops. However, this sense of accomplishment can quickly fade when pests start to nibble on their hard-earned produce. Strawberry plants, which are often beginning to fruit this time of year, are particularly vulnerable. Growers eagerly await the moment they can pick and enjoy their strawberries, but these plants are also a favourite target for wildlife, including birds and squirrels.
Fortunately, gardening expert and social media personality Simon Akeroyd has a solution. In a one-minute TikTok video, he shared an effective method to protect strawberries from these pests. “I don’t use nets to protect the fruit because birds can get caught in them, and squirrels can tear through nets,” he explained in the caption. “Instead, I’ve made some wooden frames covered with chicken wire and placed them on top of my raised beds.”
In the video, Akeroyd provides a detailed demonstration of his method. He begins by cutting wooden frames to size and assembling them. He then covers the frames with chicken wire and places them over his strawberry plants. “Hopefully, this will allow me to eat the strawberries before the squirrels, birds, and my spaniels do,” he quipped.
Simon Akeroyd is a well-known garden writer and author of 30 gardening books, including the popular title “50 Ways to Outsmart a Squirrel and Other Garden Pests.” In his spare time, he shares gardening tips and tricks on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he has amassed a following of 804,100 followers and over 12.6 million likes. His videos cover a range of topics, from protecting fruits and vegetables from wildlife to growing fresh produce to save money and reduce trips to the supermarket.
While constructing homemade protection may seem challenging and time-consuming, it ensures that strawberries and other fresh produce remain safe from animals while still benefiting from outdoor sunlight. By taking this simple step, gardeners can keep their produce untouched and their garden spaces tidy and organized. There’s nothing quite like a clean and thriving outdoor space.
