How to Prevent Birds from Feasting on Young Plants

Hey guys,

So after planting my seedlings I noticed quite a few of my plants were eaten. I started researching some ways in which to prevent the birds from eating all of my lovely veggies before I do and wanted to share. Obviously we can't do all of these, but thought they were good "thought starters":

1. Step 1

   Plant seeds in peat pots indoors instead of directly into the soil. Once the plants have two sets of leaves, plant them outdoors.

2. Step 2

   Cover seed beds with floating row covers. Floating row covers allow light, water and oxygen to penetrate, but act as a barrier for insects and birds. They do need some sort of frame to keep the cover up, off of the soil.

3. Step 3

   Use flash tape to scare birds away from the seed bed. Flash tape is a mylar tape that flutters in the slightest breeze. Some birds find it terrifying, but some don't mind it at all.

4. Step 4

   Hang old CDs in the garden. The flashing disks rotate in the wind and may frighting away some more timid birds.

5. Step 5

   Cover the entire seed bed with bird netting. You may have to release birds from under the net each morning.
   

6. Step 6

   Plant individual seeds inside milk carton collars. The milk cartons work like a miniature greenhouse and also act as a physical barrier to prevent birds from reaching the plants.