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Blackberry protection

Last post 17-08-2012 4:28 PM by My DIY Garden. 5 replies.

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  • 13/08/2012 05:23 PM
    • DPM
    • London
    • 13 Aug 2012
    • 1
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    We have just moved to London from Norwich and we are getting to grips with our new plot.

    In Norwich we grew blackberries without any protection as we found that the birds totally ignored them.

    In London, we plan to grow them again but find there is more wildlife in the vicinity ie grey squirrels and ring-necked parakeets.

    Do these creatures go for blackberries or can we still dispense with netting?

    Thanks
  • 15/08/2012 12:20 PM
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    Hi,

    Both of the creatures are not native to London. They have successfully adapted to their new environment and  there is plenty of food for the taking.

    My understanding is that both eat fruit (amongst other things). In this regard you may find the following articles of interest;

    1.  Dealing with Problems Caused by Urban Grey Squirrels (http://suite101.com/article/dealing-with-problems-caused-by-urban-grey-squirrels-a260049);

    2. How do parakeets srvive in the UK? (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6478911.stm)

    I would use netting or enclose your fruit garden in a metal cage (if possible). Try this website (http://www.agriframes.co.uk/shop-by-range/fruit-cages-1.html)

    Best of Luck

    Gavin

     

     

     

     

     

    www.mydiygarden.co.uk
  • 15/08/2012 01:17 PM
    In reply to
    • Tim Alderman
    • SE London NW Kent
    • 07 Dec 2009
    • 159
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    Hi. I am in SE London and there are thousands of both squirrels and parakeets. We have never had any problems from them on our two allotments. Pigeons are another matter.
  • 15/08/2012 08:54 PM
    In reply to
    • Snark
    • Suffolk
    • 12 Jan 2011
    • 265
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    This year there is hardly any top fruit like plums,apples and pears. The blackbirds are stripping everything that there is well before it ripens. Net everything or get a good blackbird pie.

    For the Snark was a boojum you see
  • 16/08/2012 07:55 PM
    In reply to
    • tartiflette
    • France
    • 16 Aug 2012
    • 3
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    As a first time user not sure how to start a new thread-but my question concerns blackberries. Does anybody know why otherwise healthy blackberries have creamy/white patches? I have searched internet but can only come up with an american 'stink bug' I think its probably a sucking insect but have closely examined the plants and cannot find any.

  • 17/08/2012 04:28 PM
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     Hi,

    Is this not perhaps a fungus like grey mould? The fungus enters wounds on the plant created by pests such as slugs.

     

     

     

    www.mydiygarden.co.uk