Blueberry Cage

In this Instructable, I describe the construction of a simple and effective Blueberry Cage to prevent birds from eating the blueberries. I originally used 1/2-in x 1/2-in bird netting but birds got stuck in it. I replaced the bird netting with screen mesh that is used for window screens. The screen is stapled to wooden gardening poles that are hammered into the ground.

To allow pollination, I built the cage after most of the flowers dropped.

After years of trying to grow blueberries, we are finally able to enjoy our homegrown blueberries.

• (4 or more) Wood Landscape Stakes, e.g., https://www.lowes.com/pd/6-Pack-60-in-Wood-Landscape-Stakes/3387820, or https://www.homedepot.com/p/Vigoro-5-ft-Wooden-Garden-Stake-RC-85N/100113356.
• Fiberglass Screen Mesh, e.g., https://www.lowes.com/pd/M-D-Standard-4-ft-x-25-ft-Charcoal-Fiberglass-Screen-Mesh/1000881702 or https://www.homedepot.com/p/Saint-Gobain-ADFORS-48-in-x-25-ft-Extra-Strength-Screen-Roll-FCS10400-M/320095288.
• Staple Gun, e.g., https://www.lowes.com/pd/POWERSHOT-5700F5-Manual-Staple-Gun/1000162579.

Actual dimensions depend on the size of the bush.

Hammer stakes into ground, leaving space for the branches when the screen is attached.

Staple one end of the screen to one of the stakes. Gently wrap the rest of the screen around the blueberry bush and stakes. Staple the end of the screen to the first stake. Add additional staples to the other stakes if needed, especially at the bottoms to prevent animals from getting inside. Use staples sparingly to allow access to the blueberries when ripened; otherwise remove staples when you are ready to harvest. Trim off excess screen.

At this point the top is open. Depending on the height of the blueberry bush, you may have excess screen at the top. Fold it onto the top of the bush. Using addition screen mesh, create a lid on the top of the blueberry cage. Staple to the back stakes. Fold the mesh over the front stakes. If necessary, staple to the front stakes; I kept these unstapled to have easier access to the berries when they ripen.

When the blueberries are ready for picking, reach into the top or sides of the screen cage, or remove the staples if necessary.

Enjoy!

Barry