Protecting Pawpaws (and Other Fruits) from Pilfering

By passiflora
June 10, 2014

Save nylon mesh produce bags to protect fruit as it begins to ripen. The bags expand as fruit grows and help protect it from predators. Also, since pawpaws often ripen and drop off the tree within a short period of time, you can retrieve your fallen fruit from the bag.

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Jun 10, 2014 8:50 AM CST
Thread OP
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Here, we have a little fruit fly that stings the surface of the fruit, laying eggs just under the skin. When you come to harvest the fruit, even though they appear perfect, they are all full of wiggling larvae. Very annoying.

So, I have resorted to using either paper bags fastened over the fruit with elastic bands, or fine mesh bags made of bridal veil netting. The paper bags are better if they will hold up through the rain, because even the fine mesh doesn't entirely prevent the little insects from contacting the fruit surface if the mesh lays against the fruit.
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Jun 10, 2014 10:27 AM CST
Name: Linda
SE Houston, Tx. (Hobby) (Zone 9a)
"Godspeed, & Good Harvest!"
Region: Texas Vegetable Grower Seed Starter Garden Ideas: Master Level Canning and food preservation Gardens in Buckets
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How about using nylon hose to cover them?
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Jun 10, 2014 3:44 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Elaine
Sarasota, Fl
The one constant in life is change
Amaryllis Tropicals Multi-Region Gardener Orchids Master Gardener: Florida Irises
Herbs Region: Florida Vegetable Grower Daylilies Birds Cat Lover
Hm, might work, but if the mesh sits tight against the fruit, the little bug(gers) can still reach the skin.

Besides, I haven't worn hose in at least 5 years, to be honest with ya. Big Grin
Elaine

"Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." –Winston Churchill
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Jun 16, 2014 4:13 AM CST
Central AL (Zone 8a)
Birds Enjoys or suffers hot summers Region: Alabama Permaculture Native Plants and Wildflowers Hummingbirder
Keeps Horses Herbs Frogs and Toads Butterflies Lover of wildlife (Black bear badge) Garden Ideas: Level 2
3 problems with pantyhose I have found: it holds moisture that fosters rotting, it can not accomodate side branches (with mesh I just poke small side branches thru after removing leaves), and most importantly you can't see the fruit very well.
I will save the pantyhose for staking plants!

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