Scarecrows are often overlooked in gardening. They are a great way of detouring birds and other animals in a sustainable way. This is down to a multitude of reasons. The first being that they can be made from old materials that would otherwise go to waste. The second is they protect crops naturally and remove the need to put down toxic pest controls.
Scarecrows were first used in Britain, when children known as ‘bird scarers’ would run through fields clapping wooden blocks to frighten birds. But as populations declined due to the Black Death, farmers had to create scarecrows by stuffing old clothes with straw and putting them in fields.
Here is a materials list and instruction guide on how to make scarecrows for your garden, which won’t be an eye sore.
Materials (all eco-friendly or recycled)
Frame: Two sticks or wooden poles (e.g. old broom handles or tree branches)
Clothes: Old shirt, trousers, gloves, hat (reused or second-hand)
Filling: Straw, dried leaves, newspaper or fabric scraps
Head: A burlap sack, old pillowcase or paper bag
Fasteners: Twine, string or biodegradable rope
Decor: Optional old buttons, yarn or non-toxic markers for a face
1. Build the Frame (T-Shape)
Tie the shorter stick horizontally near the top of the longer one to form a “T”.
This will be the shoulders and spine of the scarecrow.
2. Dress the Frame
Slide the shirt over the horizontal stick and button it up.
Stuff the shirt with straw or newspaper through the sleeves and bottom to give it shape.
Attach plants by tying or sewing them to the shirt; stuff these as well.
3. Make the Head
Fill the sack or pillowcase with straw or newspaper.
Draw a simple face using natural dyes, charcoal or a non-toxic marker.
Tie it shut and attach it to the top of the vertical stick.
4. Add Accessories
Hat for sun protection (and realism!).
Gloves on the sleeves.
Reflective or moving elements (optional): Add old CDs, hanging shells, or shiny metal pieces to help deter birds more effectively.
5. Place in the Garden
Drive the vertical stick into the ground securely.
Consider rotating or adjusting its look every couple of weeks to keep animals wary.
The scarecrow wants to be placed by the most vulnerable plants which are targeted most by birds such as berries, corn, sunflowers and seeds. They want to be in an area that is open and visible so they can be seen. Scarecrows want to be facing the places where birds usually come from to deter them early. The higher up the scarecrows are the better, as it means that they can be seen easier. If you have a large garden, consider using multiple scarecrows.
Scarecrows don’t have to be all serious, but you can take the chance to be creative and make the scarecrow personal to you. Unlike pesticides and detergents that are bought in-store scarecrows are made by you, using your materials. You can reflect your personality through quirky, accessories and outfits. Some even choose to turn their scarecrows into characters like ones from books and films. It is also something that is done as a family, kids love it as there are no rules when it comes to scarecrows and you can turn a practical garden tool into a personal piece of art.
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