When To Put Netting On Blueberry Bushes

You should put netting on blueberry bushes as soon as the berries start to turn color and before they fully ripen.
 
That’s the sweet spot because birds are smart and they’ll swoop in the moment those berries start looking like a snack.
 
If you’ve ever wondered when to put netting on blueberry bushes, the short answer is early enough to beat the birds to your harvest.
 
In this post, we’ll cover when to put netting on blueberry bushes, why timing matters so much, and how to do it right so your crop stays safe all season.
 
Let’s get into it.

When to Put Netting on Blueberry Bushes

Timing is everything when it comes to netting your blueberry bushes, and here’s how to get it right.

1. Net Them Right Before Berries Ripen

The ideal time to put netting on blueberry bushes is when the berries begin to shift from green to pink or blue.
 
That color change is basically a dinner bell for birds.
 
Once your blueberries start to ripen, birds will start testing them, and they’ll keep coming back for more.
 
So get that netting up early, ideally a week or two before you expect a full harvest.
 
If you wait until the berries are fully ripe, you’ve already lost the game.
 
When to put netting on blueberry bushes really comes down to reading those color cues.
 
The moment you spot that first blush of blue, it’s time to act.
 
This is the number one rule for when to put netting on blueberry bushes, so don’t sleep on it.

2. Don’t Wait for Full Ripeness

Waiting until the berries are completely ripe is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make.
 
By then, birds have likely already enjoyed a feast at your expense.
 
Putting netting on blueberry bushes before full ripeness means you stay ahead of the curve.
 
Birds don’t care whether your berries are perfectly ripe or not.
 
They’ll peck at them the moment they’re sweet enough to bother with.
 
So netting your blueberry bushes early is your best defense against a ruined harvest.
 
When to put netting on blueberry bushes is not a question you want to answer late.

3. Time It Around Bird Activity

Another factor to consider is bird activity in your area.
 
If you notice birds flocking to your garden or hanging around the bushes, that’s your cue.
 
Putting netting on blueberry bushes before those feathered thieves get too comfortable is smart.
 
Migratory birds can appear suddenly during berry season, so you don’t always get a warning.
 
If you know when to put netting on blueberry bushes in your region, you can plan ahead and keep watch.
 
When to put netting on blueberry bushes also depends on the birds where you live, so stay observant.

4. Keep the Net On Through Harvest

Once you’ve answered the question of when to put netting on blueberry bushes, don’t take it off too soon.
 
Leave the netting in place until you’ve harvested all your berries.
 
Birds will keep coming back if given the chance, even after you’ve picked a few.
 
Netting your blueberry bushes through the entire harvest window keeps your crop protected.
 
You can remove it once you’ve gathered the last of your blueberries.
 
When to put netting on blueberry bushes matters, but so does when you take it off.
 
Once harvest is done, remove the netting and store it for next season.

How to Put Netting on Blueberry Bushes

Knowing when to put netting on blueberry bushes is half the battle, but doing it right finishes the job.
 
Here’s how to net your bushes properly.

1. Drape Netting Over the Entire Bush

Your netting should cover the whole bush, not just the top.
 
Birds are sneaky and will find any gap they can slip through.
 
When putting netting on blueberry bushes, make sure it reaches down the sides and is secured.
 
This keeps birds from walking under it or landing on unprotected branches.
 
Covering the whole bush is essential for effective netting on blueberry bushes.

2. Secure the Edges

Once the netting is draped, secure it at the base with clips, pegs, or rocks.
 
You don’t want the wind blowing it around or birds getting tangled underneath.
 
Even when you know when to put netting on blueberry bushes, a loose net defeats the purpose.
 
Tie it off properly so it stays put through the season.
 
Tight, secure netting is what makes netting your blueberry bushes worth the effort.

3. Choose the Right Netting

Not all netting is created equal.
 
Use bird netting with a fine enough mesh so birds can’t poke through or get stuck.
 
If netting your blueberry bushes with the wrong material, you could harm birds or fail to protect your berries.
 
Get proper garden netting and check it after heavy rain or wind.
 
Choosing the right netting makes the whole job easier.

Tips for Netting Blueberry Bushes

A few extra tips can make netting your blueberry bushes even more effective.
 
Check the netting often for holes or damage and repair it quickly.
 
Net the bushes when you’re planning to be around, so you can monitor progress.
 
Remember that when to put netting on blueberry bushes is about preventing damage, not reacting to it.
 
Also, keep the netting clean and store it properly after the season ends.
 
These small habits help protect your investment in your blueberry harvest.
 
At the end of the day, when to put netting on blueberry bushes is about being proactive, not reactive.

So, When to Put Netting on Blueberry Bushes?

You should put netting on blueberry bushes as soon as the berries show signs of ripening and before birds start feasting.
 
That timing, right before the color shift, is when to put netting on blueberry bushes, and it’s your best shot at a full harvest.
 
Don’t wait for full ripeness, and keep the net up through harvest.
 
If you’ve been wondering when to put netting on blueberry bushes, now you know exactly when and how to protect your berries.
 
Enjoy the season and happy harvesting.