Be Inspired Blog - Arizona
How to Use Bird Netting Safely in Your Arizona Garden
Birds can quickly make a meal out of your ripening fruits and vegetables—but netting can help protect your harvest. However, it’s important to use garden netting responsibly to avoid harming birds, lizards, or other local wildlife. Here's how to net your garden safely and effectively in the Valley of the Sun:
✅ Choose Wildlife-Safe Netting
Use netting with small openings, ideally no larger than ½ inch. This size prevents birds from getting trapped while still keeping them out. Avoid stretchy plastic netting with large holes, which is more likely to entangle animals.
🛠️ Install Netting Tightly and Securely
Drape netting over a support structure—not directly on your plants. Use hoops, stakes, or frames to give your crops breathing room and make it harder for birds to reach them.
Make sure to anchor the netting at the base with clips, rocks, or landscape pins so animals can’t sneak underneath.
🌿 Check Regularly
Inspect your netting often to make sure no wildlife has become tangled or gained access. Remove it temporarily during harvest or strong storms to avoid damage or injury to animals.
🐦 Offer Birds an Alternative
Birds are looking for food and water—especially in the summer heat. Consider planting a decoy crop like sunflowers away from your edibles, or provide a birdbath to help keep them occupied elsewhere.
📅 Time It Right
Only use netting when it's needed—typically just before fruit ripens. Remove it after harvest to allow pollinators and wildlife safe access to your garden when the risk to your crops is low.
With these simple tips, you can enjoy a productive edible garden while doing your part to protect local wildlife.
