We have two grapevines in our backyard, one of them is two years old and the other one we got last year. We finally have our first grapes growing and we’re very excited about it!
Baby Grapes
I know that birds and bugs can be a big problem for grapes and I wanted to avoid that if I could. So I set off to do some research about how to protect our grapevines from birds and bugs.
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Grapevine
I didn’t find much information on the internet about protecting the grapevines. During my search, I did see several pictures that showed grapevines covered with what looked like a fine mesh cloth.
So I decided to use the same tulle material to cover our grapevines that I used to cover the squash plants.
You can also buy bird netting for the garden, which is inexpensive too. I’ve also seen bird repellent scare tape used at vineyards to protect grapes, but I haven’t tried it in my garden yet.
This is a lightweight tulle material that you can find at any fabric store. It was about $1.40/yard. I bought 3 yards for each vine, which will allow room for growth.
Tulle Fabric Used To Protect Grapes
Our grapevines are growing on a tall pergola structure, so that made it a little more difficult to cover them with the tulle.
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How to Protect Your Grapevine:
- First I stapled the tulle at the top of the pergola.
- Then wrapped the tulle loosely around the vines.
- Then I carefully folded the tulle and used clothes pins to keep the fabric closed.
The clothespins will make it easy to open the tulle and access the grapevines so I can train the vines throughout the summer and adjust the tulle if necessary. It didn’t take very long to cover both grapevines.
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Secure Tulle Around Grapevine With Clothes Pins
The tulle doesn’t look too bad in the garden either. Although my husband thinks our pergola looks like it’s been decorated for a wedding now. Ha, maybe I should string some lights in with the tulle.
Grapevine Protected By Tulle
This tulle fabric will work great to keep the bugs and birds away from our grapevines so we can have a wonderful grape harvest this year.
Sorry birds, no grapes for you!
How do you protect your grapevines from pests in the garden? Leave a comment below and tell me about your experience.
Emmie says
Would “fruit footies” work? (They’re little “socks” that are put over tiny apples and expand as the fruit grows) it seems like this would protect the clusters of grapes as well. Have you ever head of this working? I’m going to try it this year.
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have not tried using fruit footies to protect my grapes before, but great idea. I’d love to know if they end up working for you!
Linda says
But you’ve only covered the post. My vines are specifically planted over raised veggie garden beds to provide shade/protection in summer, light in winter. The vines cover the entire shade “roof”.
I like your tulle idea but I’ll go for a colour and encase each bunch rather than the whole shebang. To difficult to cover the whole underneath where they hang and besides will look ugly.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, that’s because the grapevines weren’t growing over the top of the pergola yet. 🙂
Flor Rachwal says
Our grapes are almost ripe for the picking but a lot of them were eaten by I dont know what. Fruit flies are all over when I checked the fruits inside the tulle protection. I am so disappointed with how the bugs/birds/squirrel etc. are eating our grapes. Please help.
Amy Andrychowicz says
If there are fruit flies all over, then I think your grapes are ready to be harvested.
Rebecca West says
Such a great idea! I’ll have to keep it in mind if I ever plant some grapes. Thanks for linking up at Welcome Home Wednesdays!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Thanks for stopping by!