A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion Plant pests and problems Birds attacking our broccoli and cauliflower

We have been having problems last year and now this year with birds attacking our cauliflower and broccoli plants. Last year we covered the rows with a thin fabric type netting but it is so hard to take off to weed and pick and then put back on - we are trying to figure out a way that will protect the plants and is easily removed and reinstalled. Has anyone solved this problem already? We don't want to invent the wheel :)

Thanks for your help!

do you have many native plants (weeds) around your place?
maybe the bug population is off balance. sometimes it's better to work with nature instead of against it. you don't want a lot of uncontrolled growth around your veggie garden, but planting native/adaptive or companion plants around your veggies can control the bugs. I believe the birds are coming after your bugs.

Try hanging tinfoil pie plates on some sticks and let the wind and sun toss and reflect on them. Some say it is the reflection of the sun on the plates that scares the birds. Haven't tried it, but I sure will if I ever have a problem.

what kind of birds?

We live in the country and do have probably 1/2 of our 3 acres left natural - woodsy. The birds that are attacking are finches and my husband feed them but in a different area of our yard. We will definately try the pie tins - we'll let you know how they work.

I'm just new to the forum and really appreciate for all the responses!

good luck with that. I've never had birds attacking my veges - cover your head.

Unless thorn comes along soon with his vast knowledge, look up finches and what they eat. that just might give you a starting place!

Just a quick follow up - The birds - finches - are not at all intimidated by the pie tins nor ribbons of shiny mylar we tied all around the plants. We're in the process of building "cages" to go over the plants.

I'll let you know how that goes. I appreciate all your responses!