Protecting Brassicas from Pigeons: Effective Strategies and Natural Solutions

Brassicas, a diverse and popular group of vegetables, tend to attract birds and pigeons due to their nutritional content and soft, tender leaves. If you find that pigeons are a recurring problem for your brassica plants, you may be wondering how to deter them. This article explores various bird control techniques, including physical barriers, natural deterrents, and more sustainable solutions.

Introduction to the Problem

Brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, and kale are not only nutritious and delicious, but they are also a favorite snack for pigeons and other birds. These birds can cause significant damage by pecking at young seedlings and defoliating the plants, leading to stunted growth and reduced yield.

Physical Barriers

A common and effective method to protect brassicas from pigeons is the use of bird netting. Bird netting can be purchased at a local nursery, home improvement store like Lowes or Home Depot, or from a garden supply store. This type of netting keeps out larger insects and provides a physical barrier that pigeons cannot penetrate, ensuring your brassicas remain protected without the risk of harming them or other beneficial insects.

Natural Deterrents

While bird netting is a reliable solution, it might not be the most aesthetic or appropriate choice in every garden setting. Fortunately, there are natural insect deterrents that can help. For example, you can sprinkle cinnamon around your plants. Pigeons and other birds can detect the smell of cinnamon and are naturally repelled by it. However, making it stick to the plant in windy or rainy conditions can be challenging. Spraying water-dissolvable cinnamon or using a cinnamon oil blend can be more effective.

Reflective and Motion-Sensitive Deterrents

Reflective tape and scarecrows can also be effective in deterring pigeons. Reflective ribbon, commonly known as scare tape, is a shiny, reflective ribbon that you stretch across the garden to create a zigzag pattern. Pigeons are more likely to avoid the areas where these ribbons are present as they are startled by the reflections and shadows they create. Additionally, scarecrows can be simple DIY projects that involve using human or owl effigies, which scare birds away.

Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Protection

As gardeners, it's important to consider long-term solutions that are sustainable and don't harm the environment or other wildlife. Some gardeners use covers like floating row crop covers to protect their brassicas. These covers can be made from lightweight, breathable materials that allow air to circulate while keeping birds and other pests at bay. Once the plants are big enough to be less vulnerable, the covers can be removed. This method also helps to retain warmth and reduce weed growth.

Alternative Measures and Support

For larger gardens or extensive plantings, full bird netting is a better solution. Upside-down truck canopy caps can be repurposed for raised garden beds. These protective covers can be crafted from 3/4-inch CPVC pipe and inexpensive plastic garden fencing, making them lightweight and easy to remove for harvesting.

Another method that has worked for many gardeners involves creating scarecrows and setting up feeders. Feeding birds far from the garden helps divert them from raiding your brassicas. Additionally, using reflective objects like aluminum pie pans that are suspended to blow in the wind can act as effective scarecrows. These reflective surfaces create an illusion of movement that birds are less likely to approach.

Conclusion

Protecting your brassicas from pigeons requires a mix of physical barriers, natural deterrents, and sustainable practices. Whether you choose bird netting, cinnamon, reflective tape, or other methods, the key is to find a balance between protecting your plants and maintaining harmony with the birds. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy your brassicas without the worry of avian thievery.

Keywords

brassicas pigeon control garden protection