Gardeners told to hang their old CDs in the garden this month

Garden enthusiasts are being encouraged to repurpose their old CDs this July. Remember CDs? Those shiny, circular objects filled with music that were all the rage before Spotify took over. Now, green thumbs are dusting off their old Busted albums and putting them to good use in their gardens.

It doesn't necessarily have to be a CD - an old DVD will do the trick too. Any shiny disc will suffice. Despite their reputation for being attracted to shiny things, birds are actually terrified of CDs. So, your strawberries and raspberries are safe from pecking if you line your raised beds with CDs.

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While it's true that magpies have a penchant for collecting shiny objects, they won't dare approach an area adorned with CDs. The reflected light startles them. A gust of wind catches the discs, causing them to reflect light randomly, effectively scaring away the birds.

The gardening page Food For Trees & Africa shared: "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.

"Start by hanging the discs loosely so that the slightest breeze makes them spin and catch the sun's rays. Every now and then, change their location around your beds to prevent the birds from getting accustomed to them."

The sight of the CDs will trigger the birds' flight response, sending them fleeing from your garden. Just ensure to alter the position of the discs occasionally to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to its source.

This way, you can cultivate strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes and other crops without the worry of feathered intruders, whilst guiding birds towards safer areas like lawns where they can feast on slugs and worms instead.