User:DavidAnstiss/Fruit Cage

A cage is generally something to contain an animal or bird so that they cannot escape. In this case, a fruit cage is designed to keep the birds and animals out, away from those succulent berries you had planned on using.

Fruit Cages designed and manufactured in the UK for over 60 years, high quality steel, aluminium and timber fruit cages google what is a fruit cage

A cage is generally something to contain an animal or bird so that they cannot escape. In this case, a fruit cage is designed to keep the birds and animals out, away from those succulent berries you had planned on using. A fruit cage can be a very simple structure just for protecting the fruit or quite grandiose. Some gardens are designed with ornate fruit cages as a focal point. In this case, the fruit cage use is designed to not only be functional but artistically pleasing as well. They may be made out of wrought iron or seasoned oak complete with peaked roofs, carved finials and decorative flashing. Not everyone can afford these ornamental edifices for their garden, but that’s okay because making a fruit cage doesn’t have to break the bank. There are several DIY versions that require very little skill to assemble.

Fruit cages are an expensive addition to any garden, even a basic walk-in type will cost you well over a hundred pounds by the time you have included the frame, the netting, the door, the clips and other accessories. This article aims to identify the main retailers of fruit cages in the UK and explore the different types of fruit cages on offer including an idea of the prices.

We also explore some of the options available if you want to go down the DIY route which is of course a lot cheaper.

IMPACT OF WEATHER ON FRUIT CAGES Probably the most important element to consider when selecting a fruit cage is the weather. If you live in an area that is likely to have snow at any time of the year then remember that most netting (pigeon netting possibly excluded) will collect snow and snow is surprisingly heavy. No manufacturer we know suggests that their fames / netting can support snow.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF FRUIT CAGE When it comes to walk-in fruit cage construction there are three main type, aluminium, steel and others which are mainly wood or cane based. ALUMINIUM FRUIT CAGES A cheaper construction material compared to steel however it has lots of other advantages as well. First is that it is lightweight and easy to move and construct. Rust is not a problem for aluminium fruit cages, they simply don't rust and that has to be a bonus in the British weather!

The only downside of aluminium fruit cages is their strength, they are weaker than steel framed fruit cages. This is not a problem in most areas but if strong winds are common in your area and the fruit cage is in an exposed position then you need to take this into account.

STEEL FRUIT CAGES These are generally more expensive than aluminium frames and come in a variety of finishes which will also affect prices. Steel readily rusts unless it is finished in a proper coating.

Steel frames are also much heavier compared to aluminium ones which makes construction slightly more difficult. However steel framed fruit cages are far stronger compared to all other types of fruit cage. This can be very important if you are in an area which is prone to strong winds.

WOOD FRUIT CAGES These are by far the most expensive fruit cages and certainly not as strong as steel fruit cages. The other downside of timber fruit cages is that they require attention to maintain them in good condition.

The benefit of a timber fruit cage is that it looks good, very similar to the difference between an aluminium greenhouse and a timber framed one. If you want the good looks that come with wood then your choice of supplier is limited.

POP-UP FRUIT CAGES Pop-up fruit cages are a relatively new idea for protecting your fruit and vegetables in the UK. They are delivered in a light weight flat pack and take only a few minutes to unpack and assemble. Their shorter life span compared to traditional fruit cages is balanced by a lower initial cost, convenience and the ability to move them around to cover different crops at different times of the year. Protect early fruit such as currants and gooseberries and later on move them to protect cabbages, cauliflowers and other vegetables affected by insects. You do need to remember however that most (but not all) of these pop-up fruit cages are not high enough or large enough for working in. They will also need to be removed and stored during the winter months so make sure you have space for them.

Garden Skill are the most well known name for pop-ups and they have a range of sizes but none of them are designed as walk-in cages.

BUILDING YOUR OWN FRUIT CAGE With only a little do-it-yourself capability it is quite possible to build your own fruit cage at minimal cost. The fruit cage on the right (click the picture to enlarge it) was built for less than £100 and has lasted several years with very few signs of ageing. Reclaimed timber has been used to build the main framework which is constructed by shaping the timber where it joins and then simply nailing it together (see the picture below).

see later https://www.twowests.co.uk/for-your-garden/fruit-vegetable-cages/components-to-build-your-own-cages

protects blackcurrants and blueberries

invest in a fruit cage built over your soft frit area, protects blackberries, raspberries, currants, and strawberries

In popular culture

The song Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel, released in 1986. Contains the lyrics;

Show me 'round your fruit cage
'Cause I will be your honey bee
Open up your fruit cage
Where the fruit can be sweet as can be"

Temporary use Gallery <gallery>

mesh will let pollinating insects in but keep birds out

used if the fruit owner is looking for long term protection can protect white black and red currants, loganberries number of plants will depend on the size of the cage