Fruit cages

[Jude]

Does anyone have experience in building fruit cages. I don't mind sharing some of my fruit with birds, but I now live next ot a vineyard and the hundreds of birds strip everything. So, I'm looking at building a large walk-in netted cage to house a range of soft fruits. Desing ideas and practical tips would be most welcome. Thanks

[WIC Garden Project]

Hi Jude

Saw an inspiring fruit cage near Nelson at the NZ Tree Crops Assoc Conference 2012 (see pics).

The owners said it was one of the best investments they'd made in their garden: not only does it do a much better job of keeping the birds out, it is quicker and easier to harvest the fruit. 

It is attached to an existing shed: they have trained a grapevine along the shed wall.  Berry fruit etc growing in the floor area.  The property was an ex-apple orchard, so they were able to recycle the posts from the orchard. 

They'd used a small chicken wire to cover it.

Hope this helps.

[Jude]

Thanks for that Kathryn, yes they're brilliant and I've had one before but didn't build it. I'm really keen to talk with people who have built one so I can get some practical tips. Do you think the people you visited near Nelson would be ok if you passed on their contact details to me, so I could talk with them?

[WIC Garden Project]

Hi Jude, I've managed to track the Heartwood Walnuts owners down and they're really happy to help you: can you call me at work (Hamilton) and I'll pass their contact details on?  My ph is [phone]. Kathryn