Know why gardeners are hanging CDs in gardens
Do you remember the stacks of shiny compact discs coded with music that are probably lying untouched in some storage corner of your house? While CDs may have been replaced by playlists and music libraries today, gardeners across the UK are now giving a new purpose to these CDs by dangling them in their gardens. Want to know why? Let’s find out.
August is considered a peak time for garden harvests. After months of planting and taking care of the crops like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries, along with other juicy fruits, unfortunately, it’s also the time when birds such as pigeons or blackbirds start circling around the fields, hoping to grab a snack. The last thing you would want is to see that hard work vanish overnight – unless you take a powerful action.
That’s how old CDs come into the picture. Despite the common belief that birds are attracted to shiny things, most birds are actually frightened by flashing reflections. A CD strung on a branch will catch the sunlight and spin in the breeze, which in return will send flashes of light in all directions. This sudden movement creates a sense of danger, effectively scaring birds away from your precious produce.
CDs in garden
Gardening Group Food & Trees for Africa took to their social media and shared a tip stating, “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.”
This eco-friendly and affordable method is gaining popularity among home gardeners, too, who are keen to protect their harvests without harming wildlife. It’s considered safe, non-toxic and an environmentally friendly solution.
How to try this at home?
To try this method, simply collect a few CDs or DVDs, punch a hole near the edge, or string them through the hole and hang them in your garden. Space them out so the light reflects across a wide area. With a light breeze, the spinning discs will catch sunlight and create movement to keep the birds at bay.
So, next time you find some CDs or DVDs somewhere, don’t chuck them off and hang them in your garden to save your harvest and hard work.