Creating the fruit cage was a simple task for me, the framework had already been created by the previous owner of the plot. A sturdy steel pole arrangement which has made the ideal fruit cage.
I bought some netting from Homebase with a mesh size of 20×20 mm and then wrapped it round the frame. A little bit of a tricky task as the jolly stuff tends to wrap its self back up and get into a right mess so if you can it is best done with two people.
As you can see from the pictures below, I had to do this in two sections as the netting was not large enough, so I did three sides in one and then covered up the back with another length.
The netting is attached to the framework with wire ties and then held down to the ground with pegs.
I chose to use bricks along the main side to hold it down and I only attached the main side half way down the framework so that I could get access, by moving the bricks and folding the netting up.
The only thing I am concerned about is pollination, the netting will mean that bees will not be able to get to the fruit flowers. I am unsure if this will affect the fruiting, this will remain to be seen, however the plot is on the edge of a playing field, and is surrounded by hedges so the balance between the dangers of reduced pollination and all the fruit getting eaten by the many birds that grace the plot has to be made.
Here are some pictures of the construction
-
- Fruit Frame – Steel tubing framework
-
- Covering with netting
-
- Secure netting tight
Related posts: