How to Build a Strawberry Teepee
Building a strawberry teepee can protect your plants from birds or other animals that find the fruit tasty. This is a quick, do-it-yourself project that is effective if you use the correct materials and teepee height. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and contain ellagic acid -- a cancer-preventing compound. This fruit is often used in making jams, jellies and desserts. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 3 wooden stakes or sticks, 3 feet tall
- Sharp scissors
- Heavy twine
- Protective mesh netting with 1/4 inch openings or less
- Heavy duty staple gun or wire ties
Instructions
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Place the wooden poles or sturdy sticks around the strawberry plant so that they lean together to form a teepee shape at the top. Stick them into the soil about 2 or 3 inches deep to make the teepee sturdy. Pile dirt around the poles to hold them in place. Provide plenty of room -- about 18 to 24 inches -- for the plants to grow and spread without the foliage touching the poles or netting.
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Cut an 18 inch length of the heavy twine with scissors.
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Wrap the twine around the top of the teepee where the wooden poles intersect. Tie a simple knot in the twine once you secure the poles. This prevents it from collapsing due to weather conditions or animals.
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Place the protective mesh netting around the teepee shape. Use the stapler or wire twists to secure the netting to the poles or sticks. Totally enclose the area around the strawberry plant. Scoop dirt around the bottom of the netting so that birds or other animals can't crawl underneath the teepee.
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Tips & Warnings
Strawberries are a healthy and colorful topping for ice cream, cereals and desserts. They freeze well.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
