With summer in full swing, strawberry season is here, bringing with it the promise of sweet, juicy fruits. However, gardeners must be vigilant to protect their precious produce from unwanted guests like birds and squirrels. These creatures, while charming, can quickly decimate a strawberry patch, leaving little for the growers to enjoy. Fortunately, gardening expert and social media sensation Simon Akeroyd has shared a practical solution to keep wildlife at bay.
In a recent one-minute TikTok video, Akeroyd demonstrated an effective method to safeguard strawberries without resorting to nets, which can trap birds or be torn apart by squirrels. “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, he constructed wooden frames covered with chicken wire and placed them over his raised beds.
Akeroyd’s method is both simple and effective. He began by cutting wooden frames to size and screwing them together. Next, he covered the frames with chicken wire and positioned them over his strawberry plants. “Hopefully this will allow me to eat the strawberries before the squirrels, birds, and my spaniels,” he joked in the video.
Simon Akeroyd is a well-known garden writer and the author of 30 gardening books, including the popular “50 Ways to Outsmart a Squirrel, and other garden pests.” In addition to his writing, Akeroyd shares gardening tips and tricks on social media, particularly on TikTok, where he has amassed a following of 804,100 and over 12.6 million likes. His content ranges from protecting fruits and vegetables from wildlife to growing fresh produce to save money and reduce trips to the supermarket.
While constructing protective frames may seem like a labor-intensive task, the effort pays off by keeping strawberries and other fresh produce safe from wildlife while still allowing them to bask in the sunlight. This method ensures that gardeners can enjoy their fruits without worrying about unwanted visitors.
By adopting Akeroyd’s technique, gardeners can keep their produce untouched and their garden spaces tidy and organized. After all, there’s nothing quite like a clean and thriving outdoor space, especially when it’s filled with delicious, homegrown strawberries.
