Gardeners across the UK are being urged to hang old CDs or DVDs in their gardens this July to protect fruit and vegetable crops from common bird invaders such as pigeons and blackbirds, according to gardening experts and the organisation Food & Trees for Africa.
Why CDs Work as Bird Deterrents
While birds are often thought to be attracted to shiny objects—magpies are known to collect them—the reflective surfaces of CDs actually startle birds. A breeze makes the discs spin and reflect sunlight in random directions, triggering a flight response that keeps birds away from crops.
July is a critical growing month, with strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, and other fruits and vegetables yielding significant harvests. Gardeners who have spent months tending their plants risk losing their hard work to birds at the last moment.
How to Use CDs in the Garden
Food & Trees for Africa, a gardening page, advised: “Did you know that by hanging old CDs around your food garden, you'll startle birds with the reflecting light and keep them away from your vegetables and herbs? It's a trick we've put into action at the Food & Trees for Africa food garden.”
The organisation recommended hanging the discs loosely so that even a slight breeze makes them spin and catch the sun's rays. Gardeners should also change the location of the discs every now and then to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to them.
Benefits Beyond Bird Control
By using CDs, gardeners can protect crops like strawberries, raspberries, and tomatoes without resorting to chemicals. The method also redirects birds to safer areas, such as lawns, where they can feed on slugs and worms instead.
This simple, low-cost trick offers an eco-friendly solution for safeguarding garden produce during the peak growing season.
