For perennial fruit bushes and permanent raised beds, investing in a permanent fruit cage can make a huge difference in the quantity of crops you are able to harvest. The more successful a gardener is in growing fruit and vegetables, the more temptation there is for birds, squirrels, rats, mice, deer, rabbits, and other animals to feast on your hard work.
Guarding crops from birds and animals is a never-ending battle. A well constructed fruit cage can minimise this work, and make it a much more comfortable experience for a gardener. Whilst DIY cages can be equally effective, in general the height of the nets are much lower than for a permanent cage. Constructing a DIY cage is time consuming not only in its construction, but also in sourcing and tying together all the elements. It may be cheaper to do this, but will likely involve more time and effort year after year.
Whether a gardener opts for a permanent fruit cage or a DIY solution, it is important to take care of your nets. If left uncared for, weeds can start to climb up the netting, which runs the risk of damaging the nets when they are removed. Any debris that falls on the tops of the nets, like leaves and branches, should also be removed to avoid these placing too much weight on the net and frame.
