Corar,

Yes you can cover them....it does cut down on the light they get and netting would be better but the curtains would work. The best way is poles at both ends of the bed with wire strung between them and the netting draped over the wire. Birds are smart so make sure the bottom is secured or they will go underneath. That said I have many many bushes and have very little trouble with the birds. Now up north the birds were a problem and the large scale producers here in Florida have big problems with mostly the Cedar Waxwings. I am semi rural and sometimes a squirrel takes a couple and sometimes a crow, a cardinal now and then but never a big problem. Are you having trouble? If you are not I would wait and see, may save yourself some work.

I would never treat them unless they show a problem. No spray has come near mine and they look happy as clams. Also, I am having no bird problems that I'm aware of, and mine are ripening every day, and I get quite a few cardinals and catbirds. I would worry that a curtain might cause the plants to fry. You might do nothing this year and see what happens before taking corrective action.

Gary

Thanks a bunch! I wondered if I was hitting the panic button. So far, they're looking good - just didn't want to loose the first crop to ignorance. ;o) cora